Back to School Covid Style

At the end of the day, every family must do what is best for them. As a Health  Care professional and parent of three children myself, I can tell you what I think about going back to school for the 2021/2022 year. Whatever it will look like, our children need it. Kids require a good EDUCATION, with SOCIAL INTERACTIONS, AND REGULAR ROUTINE. I am sure I am not alone when I say that last year the kids had no sort of routine. Online school lead to very late bedtimes, working in PJ’s while laying in a dark bedroom, and snacking and eating constantly throughout the day. I know my kids did not even get dressed, shower or brush their teeth until late in the day or not at all. And I heard this over and over again from my patients. This was evident in their oral hygiene.

Here are my two cents:

1. Everyone that can get vaccinated should get vaccinated. It is safe and effective. We need to protect ourselves, our loved ones who are too young to get the shot and our community so that schools can remain open.
2. Mental health and social well being are as important if not more important than education. Dealing with a subpar education this year is nothing compared to dealing with a child with mental health issues for the rest of their lives.
3. Routine makes for a well-rounded individual. Children need to learn in person so that they are forced to pay attention, focus, put down their phones,  socialize with others and make friends, follow a morning hygiene routine so they are presentable at school, eat lunch at a designated time,  and get enough sleep.
4. If we are Innovation Dental in Vaughan ( and all other Dentists for that matter) can see patients in person and treat them safely then Schools can treat Children safely as well. Masks, hand hygiene, routine cleaning protocols, vaccines, HEPA filters, PPE and screening is the key.

 

 

Wishing for a safe and full school year to all the kids returning … from your Friends at Innovation Drive Dental