OHIO, USA — A registered dental hygienist is coming forward to address concerns about the industry expanding services in Ohio starting on May 1.
“A lot of dental hygienists are scared you know, we’re afraid of going back to work this soon,” explains Bianca Fernandez. “Obviously, you’ve gotten your teeth cleaned it can be a damp experience, it can be wet you know there’s water, there’s droplets floating around.”
Fernandez isn’t afraid of losing her job by speaking up because her office is waiting to expand services until staff concerns are addressed and proper protocols are in place.
“I know a lot of hygienists out there are either quitting or being forced to be in a position to say you know, what’s more important my profession or my life.”
Her two major concerns relate to safety. They include limited availability of personal protective equipment and needed devices to clean the air of droplets and bacteria that come from a patient’s mouth.
“Our end of the dental office is just like I said, mainly aerosols and droplets in the air and obviously we know that’s how this virus is spread,” explains Fernandez. “It’s never going to be a perfect situation but I would like to go into a setting that is as perfect as it can be.”
The Ohio Dental Board has released a list of guidelines for offices to follow during the pandemic.