International travel increases as more Americans receive the Covid-19 vaccination. Americans that plan to visit Costa Rica for dental tourism will find the following information useful.
Costa Rica maintains strict COVID-19 prevention protocols
To date, active COVID-19 prevention is prevalent and remarkably successful. Prepare for more rigorous COVID prevention measures in Costa Rica than in the United States. Leading dental clinics will take your temperature as you arrive at the front desk. Please use hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer stations should be located throughout the clinic. During your visit, the staff will likely ask you to keep your hands clean by washing with soap and water. Members of the dental team will use disposable aprons, face masks, gloves, shoe coverings and full-coverage face shields. We are enforcing social distancing practices.
Helpful Tips for Vaccinated Dental Patients
Fully COVID-19 vaccinated patients should continue to follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help protect themselves and others. This includes the continued use of an approved face mask and appropriate social distancing in social settings.
“This is not the time to relax rules or remove COVID-safety protocols,” says Anthony Manos, Executive Director of the Costa Rica Dental Association. “Dental practices in Costa Rica continue all COVID safety protocols and insist upon proper social distancing and infection prevention measures,” says Manos.
Vaccination has been demonstrated to prevent symptomatic COVID-19. Symptomatic and pre-symptomatic transmission has a greater role in transmission than purely asymptomatic transmission, according to the CDC.
Dental Professionals Follow CoVid-19 Protocols
“Despite their high levels of efficient protection, none of the currently available COVID vaccines are 100% effective,” says Manos. “The lack of 100% immunity and uncertainty about transmission makes it essential for dental professionals to wear personal protective equipment. Watch your distance and wash your hands, even when other patients aren’t in the office. All dental clinic staff will follow COVID health and safety guidelines until advised otherwise.
CDC Recommendations
Individuals are fully vaccinated when it has been at least two weeks since they received the second dose in a two-dose vaccine series. They are also fully vaccinated when they receive one dose of a single-dose vaccine. In its COVID-19 vaccination FAQ and interim clinical considerations for vaccine use, the CDC recommends fully vaccinated individuals continue to:
- Wear a mask over their nose and mouth.
- Stay at least 6 feet away from others.
- Avoid crowds.
- Avoid poorly ventilated spaces.
- Wash their hands often.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Follow CDC travel guidance.
- Follow any applicable workplace or school guidance, including guidance related to PPE use or SARS-CoV-2 testing.
“It’s important for everyone to share the responsibility to help stop this pandemic. We are learning more about how COVID-19 vaccines work in real-world conditions,” says Anthony Manos. “As we continue to increase our resistance to COVID, we hope things get back to normal. Now is not the time to relax strict COVID protection measures.”
“COVID-19 vaccination and following CDC’s recommendations to protect yourself and others will offer the best protection from getting and spreading COVID-19,” the CDC states.
Patients seeking safe, affordable dental care in Costa Rica are encouraged to fill out a free inquiry form. You will receive a referral to a leading accredited Costa Rica dental clinic that meets international standards for health and safety.