Face Shields: Why Your Dentist Is Wearing One During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Before heading into your dentist appointment, you already know that things are going to look different. You prepare yourself for a virtual waiting room, social distancing, and contactless greetings. However, when your dentist comes in with a mask, goggles, and a face shield, you find yourself thinking, “Is that really necessary?”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the answer is a resounding yes. Here is why dentists are using face shields to ensure your safety from COVID-19.

They Protect Against Hazardous Microorganisms

For dentists and their teams, rarely is there a day that doesn’t include coming into contact with blood and saliva. Each of these elements can carry pathogens and disease, so the prevention of direct contact with them is a top priority during a pandemic. Therefore, dentists are using face shields to avoid vapors, droplets, and particles that could expose both them and their staff (and inevitably other patients) to the virus.

A Face Mask Alone is Not Enough

Each piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) is designed to prevent cross-contamination and the spread of germs. While face masks have proved to be highly effective, they are not enough amid a pandemic. According to a 2013 study on the risk of contamination during dental procedures, the nose and inner corner of the eyes were the most impacted areas. Any virus exposed to these areas can directly enter the bloodstream and quickly wreak havoc on the entire body. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that dentists take extensive measures to protect these vulnerable areas in both routine and specialty visits.

Face Shields are Easily Disinfected

Living in a pandemic has made everyone hyperaware of thorough cleanliness. Now more than ever, dentists need access to PPE that is effective and easy to completely disinfect between patients. In fact, face shields were designed with that in mind! To properly clean their face shield, your dentist will submerge it in an alcohol and disinfectant solution before drying it off for the next use.

To prevent the spread of germs, dentists are taking painstaking measures to provide protection to patients and their team. So, if you see your dentist wearing a face shield at your next appointment, know that it is just one of the guidelines they are following to ensure your safety!

About Gerome and Patrice Family Dentistry

For over three decades, Gerome & Patrice Family Dentistry has provided unparalleled care and service to the people of Loveland. With their personalized approach and enthusiasm for serving your entire family, their team is dedicated to helping everyone achieve long-term oral health. For more information on what they are doing to ensure your safety at their office, visit their website or give them a call at 513-677-1349.