Why We Ask Patients to Wear a Mask
The Novel Coronavirus pandemic has made us revisit our already-high safety standards. We want to ensure our patients that we can provide dental care in the safest environment possible, especially due to these quickly changing times. As a result, all patients and staff are required to undergo a COVID-19 screening prior to entering our clinic. We also ask that all our patient wear a mask inside our office except when receiving care.
This requirement is based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Read more in this article to learn why we have instituted wearing masks as a requirement and how it is used to protect you.
Wearing a Mask Protects You and Our Staff
By wearing a mask in our clinic, this helps ensure your safety. The CDC provides updates on a regular basis regarding the spread of COVID-19. They have found that wearing a mask significantly reduces the transmission of Coronavirus.
“We now know from recent studies that a significant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack symptoms (“asymptomatic”) and that even those who eventually develop symptoms (“pre-symptomatic”) can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms. This means that the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity—for example, speaking, coughing, or sneezing—even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms.” *
Additionally, it may take 2-14 days after exposure to show symptoms of COVID-19. As a matter of fact, you may have coronavirus and never show symptoms. It is estimated that about 20% of people who have COVID-19 do not show symptoms. This puts others at risk if they unknowingly have the virus and decide not to wear a mask in public.
Wearing a mask in public venues such as our clinic, and other public places like the grocery store help slow down the spread of COVID-19. Face protection can help those who don’t know they have the virus from transmitting it to others.
Wearing a Mask Provides Peace of Mind
We are aware the COVID-19 may spread by asymptomatic individuals and currently there aren’t enough resources to test everyone. Not knowing who has COVID-19 can be stressful for many people.
Envision breathing out on a window or mirror. When you look at the condensation – what you are actually seeing is all the droplets and particles that can spread the virus. Now, imagine those particles spreading when you or a stranger around you coughs, sneezes, or simply talks without wearing a mask. Those droplets become airborne and may travel up to 6 feet. Taking additional steps toward preventing the virus can give us a little more peace of mind – especially for asymptomatic individuals.
We understand that wearing a mask may be uncomfortable or awkward. Believe me, we understand – our team members wear them all day long! We just ask you to please keep in mind that we serve patients of all age groups at our clinic. We want to do everything possible to assure the safety of our patients and their families. We are looking forward to the day when we can see your big smile when we greet each other again. However – until then, it is best to use caution and wear a mask.
** No Signs of COVID-19? Here IS Why You Could Still Be Carrying (and Spreading) It
More information about COVID-19 from East Orlando Dental
> COVID-19: Going to The Dentist
> Coping and Emotions During COVID-19
