Should I Delay Orthodontic Treatment Due to COVID?
Are you interested in orthodontic treatment, but worried about the pandemic? We understand your concerns. You may have wondered if you should delay orthodontic treatment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since visiting an orthodontist involves opening your mouth for treatment, how could it be safe?
You have come to the right place for answers. At Dr. Kellyn Hodges’ orthodontic practice, we take the safety of our patients and team members seriously. Our team proudly serves people all over the greater Philadelphia, Bala Cynwyd, and Bensalem, PA, areas, and we are open during the pandemic. Barring any future stay-at-home orders, we intend to remain open to provide orthodontic care to patients. Join us as we discuss the precautions we take to provide a safe environment for you to receive orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontic Patient Screening
Before coming into the office for an appointment, we will screen patients for any signs of COVID-19. Those showing COVID symptoms, who have recently travelled, or have been in known contact with someone who exhibited COVID symptoms or tested positive for COVID, will not be permitted in our office. Additionally, we will take patients’ temperatures upon entering the office.
Masks On at All Times
Without a doubt, masks are one of the best measures to fight against the spread of COVID-19. Our team members always wear masks in the office, without exception. We ask that our patients wear them at all times except for when in the chair receiving orthodontic treatment.
If you forgot your mask, no worries. We can provide you with a mask, as we do not allow anyone into our office without one. By enforcing mask usage, we keep the amount of potentially harmful airborne droplets to a minimum. This allows the orthodontic team and patients to inhabit a safer environment.
Social Distancing and Scheduling
At our practice, we enforce social distancing. Remaining at least six feet apart from team members and patients (except when treating them) ensures a lower risk of infection. Additionally, we do our best to schedule appointments with minimal to no overlap. We also ask that patients come with as few people as possible, ideally visiting alone.
Daily Disinfection
Using industrial grade disinfectants, we clean our offices every day to remove any lingering contaminants. We also provide hand sanitizer, and ask that patients use it upon entering. While infection due to surface contamination is not the primary cause of COVID infections, it can happen and it does not hurt to be extra cautious.
Looking Ahead to Vaccinations
With the advent of a COVID-19 vaccine, we can all look forward to the end of this dreadful pandemic in the future. As soon as our team is able to receive the vaccine, we will get it. Even once vaccinated, we will continue to follow the above precautions until the pandemic is truly behind us.
Schedule an Appointment Today
We hope to have given you a better understanding of orthodontic visits during COVID. If you have any questions, or would like to come in for a consultation, feel free to reach out. Give us a call today at (610) 617-0700 or go online to schedule an orthodontic appointment.
