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Dental offices reopened this week as part of Governor Ron DeSantis’ phase one plan for recovery.

Dr. Brett Zak of Distinctive Dentistry in Altamonte Springs says it could take them several months to catch up with the backlog of patients. 

Zak says they’ve put extra safeguards in place to protect patients and staff in case of a second wave of coronavirus cases. 

“For instance we’re spacing patients out. We’re allowing more time in between patients, we’ve created a work flow where the patients almost as if you are going to a grocery store or a Publix. They’re kind of in one door and out the other. It’s kind of a work flow throughout the office.”

Zak says opening up for routine appointments is good for his business- and the health of his patients.  

He says avoiding cleanings can lead to tooth decay and gum loss and other health problems.

“There’s such a strong link between the health of the mouth and then the overall body’s health. If you have periodontal bacteria in the blood, that could lead to overall body issues which again could put you in more of a scary situation health-wise.”

Zak said they’ve put several safeguards in place including spacing out patients, not using aerosol products, and installing air filters. 

He says they haven’t run out of PPE like face shields and masks yet as they’re sharing with other offices in the Central Florida area.

With PPE in high demand, counterfeit masks are entering the market. Here’s how to spot illegitimate websites and sellers, as well as counterfeit masks. https://t.co/5VarCZioFy pic.twitter.com/laybrziwfF

— ADA (@AmerDentalAssn) May 7, 2020

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