Do the Right Thing

Do the Right Thing

So, the last time we provided active dental care the date was Thursday March 12.

Once we knew the Covid-19 coronavirus was air borne and transmissible from asymptomatic infected carriers, we chose to temporarily step back. We did not hesitate. The thought of passing the infection without testing or the proper protective equipment or environment was just not an option.

If you’re experiencing an oral emergency like an unremitting toothache or severe swelling and infection, continue to be in communication with your dentist. With us, we’re referring such patients to Pacific Oral Surgery in Glendale; they are top of the line specialists and meet the precautionary standards of care.

And I’ve seen the Camelia Parade, Santa Claus, and the Olympic Torch move down the Las Tunas midline over my 44-years in Temple City, but I’ve never seen the Drive look something like a seldom used landing strip.

That we’ve never experienced anything like this before is a blessing. What we’re managing now is hard; it’s worrying, and we’re not sure what tomorrow, next week, next month, or even 2021 will bring. But the pandemic also provides an unrequested opportunity; a chance to take personal, community, and national inventory and look in the mirror.

Please follow the Covid-19 guidelines. Wash your hands like you’re Jack Nicholson in “As Good as it Gets;” it’s okay to be OCD. Disinfect any suspect surfaces. Stay home. When you make essential trips like going to the market, observe 6-feet of separation; wear a mask. Be careful.

And please, take a breath; think of someone you love…and smile. Do the same when you take a minute to appreciate our first responders; our brothers and sisters from market cashiers to postal workers to doctors and nurses risking their lives to save lives and help us survive.

Our behavior impacts others; we’re all leaders now.

Stay great.