Illinois Dentists: We're Ready to Serve, But Need Protection

CHICAGO -- That aching tooth ready for attention? Feeling like you need someone to checking out those sore gums?

There is good news here for Illinoisans who have put off going to the dentist for a couple of months as we all huddle at home -- with an important caveat.

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The Chicago Tribune takes a closer look at dental offices starting to reopen in Illinois. They were asked to close in March when coronavirus hit Illinois full bore, opening only for the most urgent emergency care. Dentists did their part, and many even donated their stock of personal protective equipment (PPE) to frontline health care workers.

Now, with new guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health allowing them to reopen earlier this week, dentists are welcoming patients back to take care of their important needs that had to be put off.

But there are challenges. Leaders with the Chicago Dental Society and Illinois State Dental Society explain that PPE like masks, gowns and face shields are in short supply. "We are all trying very hard to return to our patients, but we must do so safely," said Dr. Terri Tiersky to the Tribune.

Read more on how dentists are adapting and asking for help.