Would you keep a dental appointment during this time?

[meadowlander]

34. I would be factoring in a few things.

1. Is there community transmission in your area?
If you are in a small town in Kansas, go for it. If you're in Seattle or New York, I'd have second thoughts.

2. How essential is the work?
If it's a routine check up and cleaning it can probably wait six months. If you're in pain, I'd go.

3. How old are you? Do you have underlying conditions like diabetes, asthma or heart disease? Are you in regular contact with people who are older or have those conditions?
If you're young and healthy and don't have regular contact with people who are in the risk groups, the risk to you personally of getting Covid-19 is relatively small and even if you do you'll probably be fine. Your risk is transmitting it to other people. Can you self-isolate for a few days after you see the dentist to make sure you don't develop any symptoms?

If you go, discuss your concerns with the dentist. See if you can wait in your car and have the receptionist text you when it's time to come in instead of sitting in the waiting room. The dentist should be wearing gloves, a mask and be using sterilised equipment anyway so you would be unlikely to get it from him or her.