Dentist offices re-open across the state

JONESBORO, Ark- Jonesboro Dentist Dr. Misee Harris says her office is still adjusting to changes brought on by covid-19.

From low patient volume to limiting visitors inside and renovating her waiting room to accommodate for social distancing.

“Typically, we have a jam pack waiting room but of course we aren’t going to do that at this time,” says Dr. Harris. “We have a person at the front that does screenings, she’ll take you temperature and give you a mask if you don’t have one. She’ll also ask you a questionnaire. Now only that patient or the child patient and their parent can come in.”

Dr. Harris says they are taking less appointments now due to the virus.

She says they are seeing 25% of what they used to see daily.

For the meantime, they are only seeing patients with post-surgery appointments.

She says they are not seeing patients for teeth cleanings until June 2nd.

Dr. Harris says she spent thousands of dollars to update her office to accommodate for social distancing.

“A new ventilation system for the office for air purification,” said Dr. Harris. “I added walls, I added doors, because we used to have an open concept. Now we have separate little waiting rooms for each patient. If for any reason we run out of those we will have patients wait in their cars.”

For people who might not be able to get an appointment or had to cancel theirs due to COVID-19, Dr. Harris says your dental office should contact you.

“Keep up with your at home dental hygiene and your dental offices should contact you to re-schedule.”

Dr. Harris says they are sterilizing her entire office each day and after each patient room is used.

She also said even once they go back to normal, she thinks it won’t be the same as before COVID -19.