The staff at Smile Design & Wellness Center (SDWC) is following the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American Dental Association (ADA). Incoming patients are screened via questionnaire and temperature reading. Social distancing has been incorporated in the waiting room and all magazines and toys removed.

“Dentistry has always been on top of infection control,” shares Rob Brown, DDS. “We utilize the principle of Universal Precautions and assume that every patient could be potentially carrying an infectious agent. We sterilize all our instruments and use approved disinfection solutions to wipe down working surfaces.” In addition, all of their assistants and hygienists are wearing face shields.

Postponed dental work can result in increased inflammation, particularly the gum tissue. “We know that this impacts the immune system and those with compromised immunity are more vulnerable to COVID-19,” says Dr. Brown. “The further progression of dental disease is another problem. A cavity that could be restored may become an infected tooth that requires a root canal or extraction and another inflammatory episode.”

As of mid-June, there has been no reported transmission of COVID-19 at a dental office. “If patients are feeling healthy, they should not be fearful of going to the dentist,” says Dr. Brown.

SDWC is located at 5445 Village Drive, Suite 100 in Viera. For more information, call 321-751-7775 or visit SmileDesignCenter.us. Hear more from SDWC doctors on holistic dental innovation in our video series:The Oral Health Connection.