What is COVID-19 and how is it spread?

COVID-19 is the name for a novel (new) coronavirus strain that is causing respiratory disease that can spread from person-to-person. The COVID-19 pandemic is a very serious public health risk, and we want to keep our patients safe. COVID-19 can cause mild to severe illness in affected patients.

Symptoms vary per each variant, however, often include, but are not limited to: cough, fever, shortness of breath, and some patients have reported loss of sense of taste and/or smell. 

At the current time, it is believed that COVID-19 is spread via droplets, such as through talking, coughing, and sneezing. Also, it may be possible that a person may contract COVID-19 if they touch a surface or object that has the virus on it, and then touching their own mouth, nose or eyes. 

The COVID-19 vaccine and boosters are now available! Please find out more on the Department of Health Website.

Is there a risk for getting COVID-19 during a dental visit? 

Our goal is to minimize risk of COVID-19 transmission between our staff and patients. We care about your health! Everyone on our team is fully vaccinated. Also, in the dental setting, we have always ensured practicing universal precautions to keep our patients safe.

As defined by OSHA, practicing Universal Precautions is an approach to infection control to treat all human blood and bodily fluids as if they were known to be infectious for contagious pathogens. This ensures that we keep our patients and staff safe.  Universal Precautions were introduced and put into practice starting in 1985, mostly in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

For our practice, this includes washing our hands before and after each patient, wearing proper protective equipment, and thorough disinfection and sterilization of equipment between patients. Our disinfection and sterilization methods are approved by the OSHA and are effective against coronaviruses.

We also have plenty of hand sanitizer, soap, and water available for hand hygiene throughout our dental office.

I am a high risk patient, what happens now?

If you are in the category of age 65 or older, and/or have predisposing health conditions such as diabetes, lung or respiratory problems, recent surgery, etc., you may be a high risk patient for contracting COVID-19. Please let us know if this is a concern for you. We can help reduce your risk of getting COVID-19 by scheduling you first thing in the morning and limiting your exposure to other patients and personnel. 

How are you changing your protocols for this pandemic? 

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, we have updated our protocols to keep you and your family safe and healthy. Our whole team is fully vaccinated, and our infection control procedures remain strict, the same as it has been previously due to Universal Precautions. We have added additional protocols for safety, and here’s what to expect for your next dental visit:

  • Vaccination Status: Our entire team is fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

  • Masks Recommended for Entry (Updated July 2023)

    • Masks are no longer required for everyone entering our dental practice per current WA Department of Health recommendations for healthcare facilities

  • Added Safety Precautions

    • Our team is following strict CDC and OSHA requirements and Universal Precautions for disinfection of rooms, hand-washing and use of protective equipment.

    • Physical barriers and air purifiers have been installed in areas that require close proximity.

    • Increased disinfection of high touch common areas (door handles, pens, counters, faucets, etc.)

  • Temporary Visitor Restrictions

    • Visitors will not be allowed to accompany patients into the office unless they are a parent or healthcare proxy.

I think I have a dental emergency, what should I do?

If you think you are having a dental emergency, please don’t hesitate to contact our office. We will be in touch with you to help you with your situation (425) 485-8292.