How Teledentistry Can Protect Your Health During COVID-19

From banking to doing taxes to ordering groceries online, so much of our daily lives revolve around digital technology. So, what about moving your next dental appointment from the dentist’s office to a digital platform? According to a recent survey, nearly 80% of patients believe they will likely use teledentistry within the next five years. Now that social distancing has become the norm as a way to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, teledentistry is set to become more important – and common – than ever before. Are you worried about whether it is safe to visit your dentist in Richardson? Keep reading to learn more about teledentistry and whether it is the right choice for you.

What Is Teledentistry?

Teledentisty utilizes the power of modern telecommunications technology to service patient’s oral care needs beyond the four walls of the dentist’s office. By using interactive audio, video and information sharing technologies, dentists can consult, diagnose, educate and exchange important oral health information with their patients. Teledentistry is the innovative new wave of dental medicine that promises to transform how patients access convenient, quality oral care.

What Are the Benefits of Teledentistry?

Given the current global health pandemic, one of the biggest advantages of teledentistry is that patients can consult with their dentist without any risk of infectious disease transmission. Human diseases cannot pass over the internet, after all! For patients who may be immunocompromised, elderly or among other at-risk groups as it relates to Coronavirus, teledentistry is a clear winner.

Additional benefits of teledentistry for both patients and dentists include:

• Minimized costs
• Saves valuable time
• Easier for dentists or patients to get second opinions
• Easier for individuals who live in rural areas to connect with their dentist
• Easier for patients in need of urgent dental care to connect with an emergency dentist in Richardson
• Gives patients who need in-person appointments greater opportunities

What if You Prefer to Go to the Dentist’s Office?

If you need more extensive dental treatment that requires an in-person visit to the dentist’s office – or just prefer to stick to your normal routine – rest assured your dentist has put into place a range of new dental safety protocols to keep you healthy and safe. Here are just a few of the changes you may see the next time you decide to visit your dentist in Richardson:

• Contact-free temperature screenings upon arrival
• Fewer chairs in the waiting area to adhere to social distancing guidelines
• Hospital-grade hand sanitizing station
• Your dental team will be wearing personal protection equipment (PPE), such as face masks, face shields, protective coats and hats, and shoe coverings

In-person visit or not, now more than ever, it is essential to take care of your oral health in order to maintain a healthy body and strong immune system. Thanks to teledentistry, you do not even have to leave the comfort of home to connect with your dentist in Richardson!

About the Practice

The caring and knowledgeable team at EPO Dental Specialists is proud to serve the oral care needs of the Richardson and greater Dallas metro area communities. In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, they have recently implemented 25 new dental safety protocols, including teledentistry consultations. To learn more about the steps EPO Dental Specialists are taking to keep patients healthy and safe, visit their website or call at 972-479-1200.