Covid-19 has affected nearly every aspect of our lives, even down to children’s routine dental appointments. We sat down with Dr. Shari Carroll of Dr. Shari Carroll Pediatric Dentistry to ask how her office has adapted to the pandemic, what precautions they are taking, and how she (a mom of 2) is balancing running a business while having her kids schooling from home.
How has your pediatric dental office been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic?
The most important part of my job is to protect my patients and my staff. Our office screens patients before and during their visits for symptoms of Covid-19. We have also implemented an unprecedented high level of infection prevention and control practices (protocols that are above and beyond what we normally use as part of routine dental treatments).
How will a child’s visit to your office be different now as a result of Covid-19?
We really try to keep it light from the child’s point of view, although your child will still notice some changes. Kids will need to have a temperature check upon arrival and they might not see other children in the office at the same time. My staff and I will also look a little different due to the extra protective gear. But our office worked very hard to make sure that the rest of the experience (at least from the child’s point of view) is pretty similar to a child’s prior experiences at the dental office before Covid-19. I promise that your child will still be in awe with the bubble wall, the surfboard televisions, etc. And of course, your child will still get to pick a toy at the end.
How have your patients been at adapting to “the new normal” in your office?
Great! Even our very little patients have been awesome. Our parents at the practice have also been unbelievably helpful and supportive during this time.
Many people have been putting off routine medical appointments due to Covid-19. How important is it to stick with annual appointments?
It is so important! Oral health is essential to a growing child’s overall health and development. Delaying routine care can turn a minor issue into a major problem.
How are you balancing work and family life while during this time?
My husband and I are just juggling things like every other parent. We have a 6-year old daughter and a 7-year old son. They are both home from school and doing virtual learning. I do yoga in the garage instead of at the studio, we cook a whole lot more now, and my kids have been watching more Netflix than I want to admit.
What do you miss most about your life before Covid-19?
Going to concerts. I love going to concerts and I really miss live music.
Dr. Shari and her team provide pediatric dentistry for infants, toddlers, and children with special needs. Dr. Shari Carroll is a board certified pediatric dentist holding hospital privileges at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Torrance Memorial Hospital. Our office provides personalized pediatric dentistry to accommodate children’s unique needs in the dental office including a sensory room for children with special needs.
You can learn more about Dr. Shari by visiting her website, Redondo Beach Kids Dentist, or at her office – 1611 S. Catalina Av, Suite 100, Redondo Beach, CA 90277, (310) 357-4414
