From dialing into Zoom video conferences to maintaining six feet of separation in the grocery store checkout line, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we interact and connect with one another. Practicing social distancing is an important way to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including at the dentist’s office. Are you a hugger? While your dentist in Ann Arbor will surely be happy to see you at your next dental checkup, you will have to refrain from dishing out your normal hugs. But don’t worry! Here are 3 creative alternatives for greeting your dental team that involve minimal physical contact.

#1: Smile and Wave

You don’t have to overthink it! The easiest contact-free way to greet your dental team is to just smile and wave. You never have to worry that waving and smiling will confuse or be misinterpreted by your dentist and their staff. They will be happy to welcome you with a smile and wave in return!  

#2: Bump Elbows

The elbow bump has replaced the handshake in many business and social situations. Many experts say bumping elbows is less likely to spread germs or diseases than shaking hands because elbows are more often covered by sleeves and elbow bumps involve less contact than a handshake. Perhaps most important is the fact that there is almost no risk of touching your own face with your elbow and accidentally infecting yourself – it’s just not physically possible!

#3: Toe-Tapping

Even more cautious that bumping elbows is tapping toes. Toe-tapping, as the name suggests, involves lifting your foot and gently tapping the other person’s raised foot. If you decide toe-tapping is your new way of greetings others, just be extra careful about washing your hands whenever you get home and take your shoes off.  

Skip the Office Visit with Teledentistry

If you feel more comfortable avoiding the dentist’s office for now, you can still connect with your dentist in Ann Arbor for a consultation thanks to teledentistry!

Using interactive audio, video and information sharing technologies, dentists can remotely consult, diagnose, educate and exchange important health information with their patients. Without leaving the comfort and safety of your own home, you can “see” your dentist for a dental checkup and receive feedback on the state of your teeth and oral health.

Teledentistry has grown more accessible in recent years, saving patients both time and money. Now, with social distancing guidelines in place to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic, teledentistry as a dental safety protocol in Ann Arbor is set to become increasingly common.  

Whether you consult with your dentist using digital technology or visit their office in Ann Arbor, do not wait to get the oral care you need. Just remember to smile and wave or use one of the other alternative greetings above at your next in-office dental checkup!

About the Author

Dr. James Olsen provides quality dental care to Michiganders in a state-of-the-art, high-tech facility. The Ann Arbor native always prioritizes patient health, which is why he and his team are taking extra precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce the risk of infectious disease transmission. To learn more about teledentistry and other dental safety protocols in Ann Arbor, visit Dr. Olsen’s website or call 734-996-0200.