CREATIVE WAYS TO GREET YOUR DENTAL TEAM WHILE SOCIAL DISTANCING

When you visit your dentist’s office, their team wants you to feel like a member of the family. There’s nothing your dental team would love more than to greet you with a good old-fashioned handshake or even a hug when you stop by for your checkup. Because of COVID-19, though, physical forms of contact like this are off-limits. However, there are still plenty of ways to give each other a warm hello. Your dentist in Venice has a few ideas on how you can greet each other without putting your health at risk.

Elbow Bumps

Rather than shaking hands, many people are instead opting to bump elbows. This greeting has the same amount of person-to-person contact as a handshake with none of the risk of transferring germs from one person’s hand to another.

Waving

Waving is a classic way to indicate that you’re saying hi to someone without having to make any physical contact with them.

Namaste

With this traditional greeting from India, you simply place both of your hands together and bow slightly toward the person with whom you’re speaking. This gesture is meant to communicate respect and warm wishes.

Air-fives

Pretending to give each other a high-five from across the room can actually be just as satisfying as giving a normal high-five. As an added bonus, it eliminates the awkwardness of accidentally missing and having to do the whole thing over again.

Curtsy

Performing a little curtsy or a tip of an imaginary hat can add a little old-fashioned pizzazz into your standard greeting. Because these gestures are uncommon, you’re sure to make the members of your dental team smile!

Finger Guns and Jazz Hands

If you feel like integrating a little bit of humor into your hello, you can add in some traditionally awkward jazz hands or finger guns.

“Live Long and Prosper” Sign

You don’t have to be a huge fan of Star Trek to appreciate this classic hand sign. Spread your four main fingers into a V shape, with two fingers each making one half of the V. If your dentist or their team members are into old-school nerd culture, you’ll most likely get a grin out of them.

As you can see, there are several ways to greet the members of your dental team without making direct contact. During this pandemic, it’s important to take every possible precaution in order to stay healthy. Rest assured that your safety is your dentist’s top priority. Practice social distancing when you can, wear a mask, and wash your hands often. Before you know it, you’ll be back to giving handshakes and hugs in no time.

About the Author

Dr. R. Scott Thompson is a dentist in Venice, FL who graduated from the Emory University School of Dentistry in 1988. He holds Fellowships with both the International College of Oral Implantologists and the International College of Dentists. His practice is taking every precaution they can in order to ensure your safety while you’re under their care. You should be able to attend your appointments with Dr. Thompson without worrying about infection. To learn more, visit his website or call 941-451-5849.