CNY dentists have spent ‘insane’ amounts to reopen safely; when will they get the chance? - syracuse.com

Cosmina Nolan, right, co-owner of "Little Jaws, Big Smiles" dentistry, in DeWitt, and staff member Heather O'Donnell display the masks and shields they'll wear to treat their pediatric patients when dental offices are allowed to resume non-emergency care.Little Jaws, Big Smiles.

— Since they were essentially shut down two months ago, Central New York dentists have spent up to $30,000 apiece to get ready to resume their normal practices again.

“The governor’s office has been very mum on that,” said Steven Stacey, a Syracuse dentist and president of the state’s Fifth District Dental Society.

Dentists will see fewer patients than before because they’ll spend more time cleaning exam rooms and equipment.

All other medical professionals have been allowed to open for non-emergencies except for dentists, orthodontists, and chiropractors.

“The state continues to engage public health officials to develop appropriate and applicable guidance for re-opening of dental offices for preventive and non-emergent care that will ensure public health and safety.”.

Onondaga County has heard nothing from the state about when local dentists might open, but they will be required to file business plans when they do, said county spokesman Justin Sayles.

You’ll wait in your car until called — waiting rooms are a thing of the past — and you’ll have your temperature checked and be given a mask you’ll wear until the dentist asks you to open up.

Practices will see fewer patients, both to keep them from bumping into each other in hallways and because it will take longer to clean rooms in between appointments.

The 12,000-member New York State Dental Association last week called on Gov.

Andrew Cuomo to let dentists resume full practice.

“Dental offices have been open for emergent/urgent care throughout this health crisis and have been handling these most challenging cases with extreme care,” wrote Mark J.

Patients can transmit viruses and bacteria in their blood and breath, and doctors are keenly aware of how to protect themselves, Schoonmaker said.

“The ice cream stores are open and the beaches are opening in New York, but dentists aren’t allowed to.”