COVID-19 Office Information

Dental offices have long been a leader in regards to infection control. Our priority has always been the safety of all our patients and staff. While dental professionals remain as one of the highest risk occupations for pathogens such as COVID-19, our industry is also one of the best equipped to handle new challenges.

With the onset of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), we have implemented several new protocols, in addition to our previous infection control standards.

These protocols include:

STAFF MEMBERS

All staff members have their daily temperature reading taken.

Any staff that have been possibly exposed to a COVID-19 positive individual are required to present a negative test result prior to returning to work.

All staff members working with patients wear fit tested and NIOSH approved 3M N95 1860/1860s masks. These are the safest N95 masks available and keep both patients and staff safe.

All of our staff members in the office wear masks at all times.

Additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as extra surgical masks, face shields, eye protection, hair coverings, gowns, and coats will be worn by all staff members treating patients.

WAITING ROOM AREA

Appointment times have been staggered to minimize the number of patients waiting in the lobby area.

Patients have the option of waiting in their vehicle and receiving a call/text when we are ready to see them.

All patients are screened and will have their temperatures taken.

All patients must wear a mask when entering and existing our dental facility. If you do not have one, we can provide one for you.

Plexiglass barriers have been installed for additional safety.

Social Distancing Floor Markers have been placed to keep patients at a safe distance from others.

Hand sanitizing stations are in place throughout the office. We encourage all patients to utilize them as often as needed.

All common areas are frequently disinfected by a staff member to ensure the cleanest possible environment.

Our coffee bar/water station, as well as magazines and books have been temporarily removed to prevent any cross-contamination.

DENTAL TREATMENT AREAS

All of our dental operatories have always been cleaned thoroughly between patients. We follow and surpass all guidelines provided by:

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• American Dental Association (ADA)
• California Dental Association (CDA)

Air purifiers with HEPA filtration and UV-C light have been installed in each dental treatment room.

Dental assistants using high volume evacuation (HVE) are utilized for any splatter/aerosol generating procedures (including all hygiene appointments). This allows us to capture and prevent aerosols from getting into the air.

Extra-oral suction devices are also utilized to capture any remaining aerosols that may be generated. These extra-oral suction devices are also equipped with several layers of HEPA filtration and UV-C light to clean any air in the operatories.

PATIENTS

We ask all patients in the dental chair to pre-rinse with a diluted hydrogen peroxide rinse (Peroxyl) to reduce any possible viral load in their saliva.

We ask all patients who are having any COVID-19 symptoms to kindly reschedule their appointment.

We understand that there is much more to learn with on-going research in regards to COVID-19. Our priority is to keep all of our patients and staff safe. We will continue to monitor new information and research and adapt and implement further protocols are needed.

As a healthcare provider, we will always err on the side of caution when it comes to patient safety. Feel free to call or email us if you have any further questions.