Jessica Meeske, DDS, discussed how she successfully handled her rural Nebraska pediatric practice's closure and reopening in a May 27 interview with ADA News.
When Dr. Meeske's office was closed, she used the free time to participate in ADA webinars and organize her staff to address a list of projects for which they never had time.
After learning Gov. Pete Ricketts was allowing dentists to return to work May 4, Dr. Meeske was unsure of how to proceed because local health districts ordered a protective measure against elective procedures. After reaching out to health district directors for further guidance, she concluded that her team could draft a plan to keep themselves and patients safe.
Before the office's reopening, Dr. Meeske held a two-hour orientation in which a local pediatrician and health department director reviewed protocols and answered questions. New safety measures include patient pre-screenings, face mask requirement, proper personal protective equipment use, aerosol minimization and embracing teledentistry for cases that permit it.
"My advice is not to practice in fear. Patients need dental care, and we have the responsibility and privilege to provide it," Dr. Meeske told ADA News.
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