Many dental professionals are apprehensive about going back to work due to the coronavirus and are wondering about its impact on dentistry.
Many people are apprehensive about going outside!
I actually need to go out to the grocery store and pick up a few things but am second guessing my needs due to COVID-19.
It has been reported that it could live for days on surfaces and to stand 6 feet away from each other. Why?
When someone coughs or sneezes, small drops of liquid spray from their nose or mouth. If you’re standing too close, you can breathe in the droplets, which may contain the coronavirus if the person coughing is infected, according to the World Health Organization.
If you go shopping there is an entire sequence of events that is supposed to help reduce exposure to the virus. It’s quite the process as you can see in this Safe Grocery Shopping video:
As I sit here writing this post, my neighbor just got in his car and drove away. I wonder where he’s going. Is he going to the grocery store? Did he see the Safe Grocery Shopping video? I sure could use a run myself but I don’t know if I should risk it.
So much to do before, during and after a shopping trip. Is it worth it? Will they be out of what I need because people are still hoarding? I really need food. It is an “essential” trip. Should I dare venture out?
I think I am prepared to make the journey. I have gloves and Clorox wipes in my car.
When this all first started, my mom asked me: “Are you wearing gloves to the grocery store?” Come on mom. I will look stupid.
Fast forward a week and wearing blue latex gloves is the look…along with gray roots.
Oh these roots!
I texted my hairdresser this morning asking him about store bought hair color for my roots. He replied: “Be careful…I haven’t looked at unprofessional color in years. If you absolutely have to. It’s not like any of us are going anywhere anytime soon. Wear a baseball hat…you probably look really cute in one.”
Well, that was encouraging and depressing.
I told him that I would stick with the spray on color. I just don’t know how it’s going to look when my roots are 5 inches long…
I consider him lucky. When he gets back to work it will be business as usual.
But what about dental professionals?
What are they going to do? Stay in the field or leave? I think after the dust settles and if the love for dentistry is strong, those folks will remain in the field. Those who are already tired are questioning the future of dental hygiene.
This might be the opportunity to explore other careers. Perhaps now is a good time to go off the beaten path.
