InTouch with Southern Kentucky July 2020 | Page 28

Without walls, this type of
treatment area is common in
pediatric dental practices as well
as orthodontic offices. Dr. Prather
has constructed temporary “walls”
between the chairs.
“We are also asking that
patients only have one family
member accompany them to their
appointment,” she added, “and that
they wear a mask upon entering the
building.”
While Dr. Prather believes many
of the changes may be long-lasting, she
doesn’t think that waiting rooms will be
closed permanently, that temperatures
will be taken upon entry into the
building, or that masks will be required
upon entry by the patients — though
those practices will probably last until
the end of the year.
“Some of the other things like the
barriers between the patients and the
receptionist will likely be permanent,”
Dr. Prather noted. “Dentistry is unique
from other businesses because of
the aerosol generated so a lot of the
regulations will likely stay in place
longer for us than other medical offices
or local businesses.”
Maintaining dental health is
important as gum infections cause
body-wide inflammation that raises the
risk of developing heart disease and
diabetes, both of which can increase
the risk of complications if someone
catches the coronavirus. One thing
health care providers have expressed
concern about is that people may delay
seeking treatment for other problems
for fear of coming down with COVID-19.
However, Dr. Prather has observed that
fear is dissipating as restrictions are
loosened.
“At first I noticed a lot of families
wanted to wait to reschedule their
appointments,” she said, “but I’ve
noticed that as the state opens up more
businesses and lifts more regulations,
people are ready to get back to the
dentist and are no longer hesitant or
fearful.”
That goes for the kids as well. While
Dr. Prather had been nervous how her
patients would respond to the staff
looking as if they were wearing space
suits, she said that they have become
accustomed to masks and other PPE
since things were closed for so long.
“My parting thought would be for
parents and patients to be patient
with all of this!” Dr. Prather said.
“It all seems overwhelming and to
some not necessary, but realize
that we are doing our best to
protect ourselves and our patients.
What many forget is that some
patients that come into the office
are immunocompromised or they
go home to a family member that
is immunocompromised. We are
learning more about the virus all
of the time and the guidelines are
changing too. Please be patient and
understanding!”
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28 • In Touch with Southern Kentucky July 2020