May 2020 Social Commentary
Like Dimensions of Dental Hygiene’s Facebook page to share your thoughts on posted questions.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST CONCERNED ABOUT REGARDING COVID-19?
Dominique Francois, CRDH, RDH Dimensions Brand Ambassador
Asymptomatic carriers who are silently and unknowingly spreading the disease.
Rachel Brown Dimensions Brand Ambassador
Going back to school. This summer I would have been starting my second year. We have moved completely to online courses. I was a week away from seeing my first patient! I was so disappointed. We will have a ton to catch up in clinical hours when we return (supposedly in June).
Jayme Tubandt, RDH Dimensions Brand Ambassador
My biggest concern with COVID-19 is the health of my patients. I work at a Federally Qualified Health Center, so the majority of my patients have myriad comorbidities that place them at high risk of complications if they contract the virus. Most also have very limited finances, which doesn’t help the situation. Also, (being the tooth-obsessed person I am), I hope my patients remember the self-care techniques we went over at their last routine care appointment to help keep their mouths as healthy as possible to avoid any major issues from arising. I’m very concerned we won’t be seeing our patients for anything other than emergency care for quite a while. @jaymerdh
Amy Casey, RDH Facebook commenter
1. The cost involved for dentists if negative pressure rooms become a requirement. What does that mean for dental hygienists’ salaries? 2. Will the personal protective equipment that we need even be available? 3. Asymptomatic carriers.
Joy D. Void-Holmes, RDH, BSDH, DHSc, AADH Dimensions Brand Ambassador
I am concerned about loved ones who are unable to be with family members residing in assisted-living facilities and hospitals. My heart goes out to those who have already lost people and are unable to come together as a family to celebrate. My heart simply breaks.
Kaci Roberts, RDH Facebook commenter
There are so many things to be concerned about with this virus. First and foremost, we don’t know whether you become immune after contracting COVID-19, or if you have the same susceptibility after recovery. I’m sure our standards of personal protective equipment will change, I just hope that every office follows the guidelines that are given. I want the safest measures taken for myself and for my patients. My basic fear is the unknown.
Joanne Martin, RDH Facebook commenter
Aerosols lingering in the air.
SOCIAL COMMENTARY Like Dimensions of Dental Hygiene’s Facebook page at: facebook.com/dimensionsofdentalhygiene to share your thoughts on posted questions. We may publish your comment in an upcoming edition of our new column “Social Commentary,” and one lucky respondent will receive a coupon for a free continuing education course. If you would like your Instagram handle included, please be sure to add it to your response.
From Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. May 2020;18(5):15.
