Some dentists have already returned to work, and if you're booking an appointment, plan for a new experience.Hygienists must wear full protective gear This includes a hair covering, goggles, an N-95 mask and a field shield. Janessa Bock, president elect of the Texas Dental Hygienists Association says she's also wearing another mask over the 95. She says it's made breathing al little more difficult. "I think that's uncomfortable, but that will protect you is worth it."They're also wearing gowns and of course, gloves. Patients now wait in their cars until they're called in as waiting rooms are closed. Patients will also rinse with a hydrogen peroxide or iodine solution prior to their cleaning. Also, hygienists are no longer using cavitrons, or ultrasonic scaling. Those machines put out a lot of aerosols. "We use the hand instruments, but we won't have the additional tool that disrupts the plaque down to the first layer."Bock says at first it's a little nerve wracking. "You go back to your training. We are trained to deal with infection and disease. Yes, this is uncharted waters with Covid-19, but with the new PPE mandates we are protected."
Dental Cleanings May Feel Different
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By Barbara SchwarzMay 07, 2020
