Before the novel COVID-19 virus, you probably wouldn’t have thought twice about greeting your dentist with a warm handshake or friendly hug. However, a nationwide effort to limit the spread of germs has put those greetings on an indefinite hiatus. If you are struggling to find a hello that suits you, your dentist in Richardson is here to share five creative greetings you can use at your next appointment.
The Elbow Bump
Although it can take some getting used to, using an elbow bump to say hello has been used time and time again to limit the transfer of viruses. In fact, many used it during the Ebola outbreak in 2014 to say hello without spreading harmful viruses and bacteria. In light of the current pandemic, people around the world are jumping on the bandwagon to protect their safety and that of their loved ones.
Smile and Wave
Offering a friendly wave, combined with your beautiful smile, is the perfect hello, especially at the dentist! While you may be a bit limited from wearing your mask, this greeting offers both you and your dental team a natural way to show your excitement while also maintaining the recommended 6-foot distance guideline put forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Infection.
Flash Spock’s “Live Long and Prosper” Salute
For all the Star Trek fans, this one is for you. Instead of opting for the classic peace sign, put your own spin on it by offering Spock’s classic “live long and prosper” greeting that people have loved since its first appearance back in 1967. Who would’ve known that five decades later we would be using it regularly to fight against a novel virus?
A Quick Bow
Bows have a longstanding history of being a way to pay the ultimate respect to someone upon greeting them. Today, they can be used to acknowledge someone while also showing your high-regard for them. Plus, this no-contact greeting limits virtually all germ spreading, especially compared to handshakes and high-fives.
Initially, it can seem a bit uncomfortable getting into the habit of contactless hellos. However, these five creative greetings can help you show off your personality, without compromising your safety, until the curve has flattened!
About the Author
A Texas native, Dr. Shwarts first attended the University of Texas at Austin before pursuing his doctorate at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Since then, Dr. Shwarts has opened his own practice, Shwarts Family Dentistry, where he lives out his passion for transforming patients’ smiles for the better. For information on additional steps he is taking to follow dental safety protocol in Richardson, visit his website or give him a call at 972-437-6035.