How Dental Professionals feel about mask- wearing

What do Dentists and Dental Professionals think about mask-wearing?

For as long as I can remember Dentists and Dental Hygienists have been wearing masks to work on patients. It is our normal. What is new for us is the type (or level) of masks we are now wearing. As well, we used to remove the mask after each patient and only wear a mask during the treatment, not in the office common area. With the new Covid-19 Pandemic currently going on now we wear a mask at all times while in the office and change the second layer of mask between patients. Some days we work a 12 hour day wearing a mask. We are getting used to this… it is what is. But the public seems to be having an issue with mask-wearing, even for a 20-minute shopping experience.  Here are our 2 cents on this as it pertains to dentistry.

1. Unless you have a LEGITIMATE health condition that prohibits you from wearing a mask for a 10 minute trip to Walmart or the one-minute walk to the dental chair from their car…Just wear it!  It is the policy at Innovation Drive Dental in Woodbridge and everywhere else! Do your part, otherwise, stay home.
2. Studies have shown that 50% of people brush their teeth better and more often since wearing a mask as it forces you to smell your own breath….ewe
3. We have had less cosmetic dental emergencies since we reopened as patients state they can just “cover up their broken front tooth with their mask” until they can get in to see us.
4. Patients state that they appreciate not having to smell other people’s bad breath as well.
5. We have been told that patients have been smoking less and biting their nails less since having to keep a mask on…win win.
6. Many studies have proven that mask-wearing mitigates the spreading of the virus. The less community spread, the quicker we can all practice as normal, and feel safe doing it.
7. Masks now come in fashionable colours and patterns. Find one you like and Rock It!

 

 

Happy to be practising again in Ontario where our numbers a currently in a good position as compared to many other places in the world, and showing a constant decline. https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-ontario-is-responding-covid-19.

To all our valued Patients, Family, Friends and fellow community members… Do your part. We got this.