Dental appointments filling up fast due to overdue dental care during pandemic
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - People aren't always anxious to go to the dentist, but that appears to be changing now that COVID-19 cases are declining along the coast.
Patients who skipped cleanings for the better part of a year are calling for appointments.
Johnson Family Dental Office Manager Linda Miloud said, “Honestly we have been slammed."
Miloud said they are already booked with cleanings through the summer.
Dr. Steve Johnson smiled when he said he has no relation to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, but he said his Santa Barbara staff and most of his patients have been fully vaccinated.
"Now we are doing a lot of larger fillings or root canals and putting out a lot of fires," said Dr. Johnson.
He urged patients with sensitive teeth or tooth and gum pain to see a dentist as soon as possible.
Johnson's patient Joshua Tucci said, "I got two permanent crowns done, and I'm so grateful for that because now I can smile."
Tucci said he overcame a habit that hurt his toothy grin, now he is all smiles under his mask.
"I'm not getting any younger, and I want to make sure I take care of my teeth."
Johnson has tips for patients between professional cleanings.
"It's really important, the brushing, flossing and I'm a huge believer in fluoride. It just really helps prevent decay. "
Dental offices are also hiring.
Dr. Johnson said there is a nationwide shortage of dental hygienists due to retirements and career changes during the pandemic.
He said he has hired hygienists who graduated from the well known program at Oxnard College.
New graduates should have no problem finding jobs in the dental industry.
To learn more about the Dental Hygiene Program, click here.
