The Delta Dental of Kentucky Foundation committed $1.7M for the COVID-19 Emergency Fund to help Kentucky non-profits with immediate needs during these challenging times. This Emergency Fund aimed to provide financial support to non-profit organizations who needed assistance with maintaining essential business functions and operations during and beyond the current crisis we are facing. While our traditional Foundation grants focus on organziations who provide dental treatment and oral health education, this Emergency Fund program offered unrestricted relief grants, allowing non-profit organizations to allocate funds as needed to continue serving communities throughout the Commonwealth.

Many dental offices are open and eager to see you. Your dental office is taking extra measures to keep you and your family safe. This may include pre-appointment screenings to gauge potential exposure to COVID-19, temperature checks, changes to check-in and waiting room procedures, extra cleaning and sanitation measures and additional personal protective equipment for patients and staff, including face shields, face masks and gowns. Staff members are checked for symptoms, including temperatures, before they begin each work day.

The decision to visit the dentist during the COVID-19 pandemic is deeply personal and should be based on a variety of factors. Some organizations, like the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Dental Association, recommend that dentists prioritize urgent care appointments over non-urgent care appointments.

All offices are following infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). As well as following activities of these agencies to stay up-to-date on any new rulings or guidance that may be issued.

The next time you go to the dentist, things may be a bit different due to of COVID-19. Here’s some information on the changes you might see.

Prior to your appointment:

• To allow social distancing between patients, you may have fewer appointment time options or need to wait longer to get an appointment.

• You may be asked screening questions to make sure you have not traveled recently, do not have any COVID-19 symptoms or have not been in contact with anyone with COVID-19.

• You may be reminded that you cannot bring anyone with you to your appointment (children, spouse, family member, caregiver, etc.).

Day of appointment:

• You may be asked to complete a form with similar screening questions about having symptoms.

• You may be asked to take your temperature when you come into the building.

• You ay be asked to wait in your car.

• Waiting rooms may have fewer chairs and there won’t be magazines or toys.

• Many offices will ask you to wear a mask. If you have one, you may want to bring it with you.

• You may be asked to wash your hands before going to the treatment room or hand sanitizer may also be available.

During your appointment:

• Staff may be wearing face shields, masks, gowns and head coverings.

• Treatment may be modified to reduce the amount of aerosols created. For example, the hygienist may hand-polish your teeth instead of ultrasonic cleaning.

• You may see additional dividers, such as Plexiglas, at the front desk and throughout the office.

Depending on your oral health needs, you may consider teledentistry. Using video chat, dentists can provide a virtual consultation and diagnose emergency situations to determine if you need to schedule an in-person visit.

Delta Dental members who receive teledentistry services from a licensed dentist are actively involved in their treatment decisions. Working with your dentist, you can choose how and when you receive in-person follow-up treatment for a covered service. Teledentistry claims will be paid with the same speed as traditional claims and Delta Dental dentists have been notified on how to code these claims for quick and easy processing.

Keeping up with your oral hygiene is more important than ever! By being proactive, you can decrease your risk for tooth decay and gum disease, which can weaken your immune system. Take care of your teeth and gums with a thorough, at-home oral care routine that includes regular brushing, flossing and healthy eating.