Maintaining oral health remains key to overall health and well-being

Since March, we have seen a change in how the dental community continues to safely see patients.

Dental experts across Arkansas have worked to implement social distancing standards, enhanced cleaning protocols and integrated new technology in an effort to continue to treat patients and provide an essential health care service. As we continue to battle COVID-19 and navigate a new normal, one thing is for certain: maintaining proper oral health is key to overall health and well-being.

According to a recent study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, populations at high risk for COVID-19 are the same populations that have limited access to oral health care. As dental practices across the nation continue to look for ways to connect and treat patients, dentists are committed to providing exceptional dental care and same-day access to Arkansas residents.

In Arkansas, clinics saw closures for close to nine weeks. While these closures were challenging, they also allowed dentists to find unique and innovative ways to meet the needs of patients.

Access to oral health care is an essential part of maintaining our overall health. When mandated closures happened nationwide, dentists had to find a way to care for Arkansas residents.  With appropriate approvals and clearance in place, from mid-March to May 11, our company opened and operated four dental hubs across the state. These hubs allowed us to serve existing and new patients in need of emergency dental care. We operated with a volunteer team and donated personal protective equipment (PPE). The software developed to service these hubs were used across a number of states so they too could meet the oral health needs of residents.

As we embrace the upcoming year, it’s important we remember that our overall health and well-being is highly impacted by our oral health. Cavities, the most common chronic childhood disease, can be prevented through healthy diet and oral hygiene. Without these healthy habits, our teeth build up plaque that can lead to cavities, gingivitis or even gum disease, which too can cause risk for not only oral health but other concerns, like heart disease, diabetes or arthritis.

Those practicing dentistry are acutely aware of the role the COVID-19 pandemic has played in the lives of Americans across the country and our state. Dentist offices are safely opening and seeing patients. Rock Family Dental will continue to follow and maintain our own strict infection control process using appropriate PPE and sanitization protocols. We have noticed parents and patients alike are showing up with confidence in the additional safety measures in place.

Whether you plan your visit to the dentist in-person or schedule a virtual visit, it is crucial for your overall health to take action.

Drs. Collin Hunt and Andrew Orr practice dentistry in Northwest Arkansas for Rock Family Dental, a member of the Rock Dental Brands family. The opinions expressed are those of the author.