General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsI posted this on a professional dental website whose
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Almost any procedure which we accomplish causes a volatilization of particles which saturate the room air wherein we are located. We breathe this in continuously and its everywhere in the office. This material, once landing on a surface can survive possibly for nine days. Now we are not just talking about wipeable surfaces, but every surface imaginable. If the Coronavirus enters your office, and you and your staff work on that patient, you and they are going to be inundated with viral particles. After that its anyones guess as to what will happen. I practiced through the AIDS epidemic which for a variety of reasons was very frightening in the beginning. I just showed up and did my job as Ive done for 41 years. I hope and pray that we, our families, our staffs, and of course our patients, do well with all of this. I am vaguely pessimistic but thats my nature. I again hope and pray that Im wrong. Good luck to us all.
These are my feelings in the matter. No amount of mask-wearing or wiping of surfaces will prevent inhalation of the viral particles. How each of us will do is up in the air.
spanone
(135,873 posts)Take great care.
Sherman A1
(38,958 posts)Exceptionally well written.
Best of Luck to You and Your Staff.
hlthe2b
(102,358 posts)virus then this COVID-19 (or any coronavirus) is likely to be, given its survival (at infective levels on surfaces for many hours), and spread not only by droplets but true aerosolization as well.
It certainly is an issue, but perspective... I would think about wearing face shields, rather than simply masking though.
PCIntern
(25,583 posts)High speed handpiece at 500,000 rpm with water spray. The room is aerosolized. No protection will do the trick. None.
Hortensis
(58,785 posts)At least while there are hospital beds available for everyone. Numbers of death are likely to be high, but not percentages. Most will shrug it off and reportedly should have temporary immunity.
I hope most dental offices offer all staff good insurance, just in case, though. Many who require hospitalization to pull through it may think they want to die when they see what that cost.
hlthe2b
(102,358 posts)If you are computerized, you might be able to send the questionnaire via email prior to the appointment and set up your reminders to require them to bring it or return it electronically beforehand. At least have your appointment reminder phone person inform them they must call before coming in with any illness symptoms.
I'd guess you've undoubtedly thought of this, but...
People have to wait for months for their appointment with us and people lie routinely at the office. Yes I know....
zackymilly
(2,375 posts)I'm on blood pressure meds and my bp is under control, until I hit the dentist chair. They check it before doing anything involving novacaine, because it makes my bp even higher. I've had to cancel procedures because my bp wasn't low enough. ARrrrrrrfgh!
BigmanPigman
(51,627 posts)in case she needed one. I can't wear mine on my mouth obviosly but it could cover my nose well. The dental assistant said no one besides me has been concerned at all. I asked if she's washed her hands and she always wears a mask but I was still a little nervous.
cwydro
(51,308 posts)volatizilation of particles which saturate the room - ok, Im done for awhile.
Gah.
Stay safe.
PCIntern
(25,583 posts)we see you....
😁
Hekate
(90,793 posts)Stay well.