TELEDENTISTRY DURING COVID-19 in NEW JERSEY

We are all trying to do our part during the pandemic of COVID-19 by practicing social distancing and decreasing the spread of germs. That is ideal but what if your child has a toothache? Or has a dental injury? Dentists are not performing routine dental cleanings and visits but are trying to help dental patients stay out of the emergency room in the event of an emergency. Severe dental emergencies must be completed in a dental office but some issues can be reviewed with teledentistry.

"Viewing photos or face-timing with patients can provide consultation and professional advice for parents when their children have dental issues" says Dr. Elisa Velazquez, a board certified dentist in Ocean County. Sometimes after a phone consult, a patient doesn't have to come into the office immediately and may be prescribed an antibiotic.

Non-essential dental work should be delayed until further notice during the pandemic according to the American Dental Association. Orthodontic concerns can also be reviewed by teledentistry. "A pencil eraser could be used to push in poking wires or wax could be used” Dr. Velazquez states for patients with uncomfortable orthodontic wires. Patients with pain, abscess, broken or knocked out teeth typically need to be seen in a dental office. "During this quarantine, teledentistry is helping us all do our part to flatten the curve" per Dr. Velazquez.

Call your dentist if you are experiencing an emergency. Dr. Elisa is available for patients of Ocean Pediatric Dental Associates in the Ocean County NJ area with teledentistry and emergency treatment.

Elisa J. Velazquez D.M.D., M.S.D
President of NJAPD
Chair of Government & Public Affairs NJDA

Ocean Pediatric Dental Associates
www.OceanPediatricDental.com
facebook.com/oceanpediatricdental

368 Lakehurst Road
Suite 305 Toms River, NJ 08755
732-473-1123 732-473-1133 FAX

1301 Rt 72
Suite 305

Manahawkin, NJ 08050
609-597-9195
609-597-9165 FAX

211 W Millstream Rd
Cream Ridge, NJ 08514
609-758-9595

In addition to her own practice, Dr. Velazquez is on staff at Children's Specialized Hospital and Community Medical Center in Toms River, NJ. Dr. Velazquez teaches dental residents at Monmouth Medical Center and currently serves as the President of the NJ Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She is past president of the Monmouth-Ocean County Dental Society and serves as the chairperson for the state’s Governmental Affairs Committee. “Advocating for patients and the profession is truly my passion.” says Dr. Velazquez.