Q: Has your team been tested for COVID-19?
A: Our team is not eligible to be tested due to being asymptomatic. However, we screen each employee the moment they report to work. If an employee is not feeling well they will not report to work. If an employee does not pass the screening they will be sent home.
Q: Why do I have to wait so long to be seen for my routine visit?
A: As we follow all the recommendations for dentistry we are limited in our capacity. Not only have we had to completely restructure our schedule to meet those recommendations, we also have two months of appointments that were missed during the mandated closure for Washington State dentists. We are working hard to get our patients seen as soon as possible and we truly appreciate your patience as we navigate our new systems.
Q: What is a curbside check-in and how does it work?
A: For those who arrive in a vehicle we ask that we complete your check-in from the comfort of your car. If you arrive on foot, by shuttle or other public transport, you may enter and check-in from inside of the office. Curbside check-in procedure is as follows:
1. Call or text us when you arrive at (253)584-3333 and please remain in your vehicle.
2. We will do a brief wellness screening either by phone or text.
3. Please wait in your vehicle. When your provider is ready for you, we will call you in.
4. We ask that you please enter masked and that any guests remain in the vehicle. If the patient is a minor, only one guardian may accompany them.
Q: Why must I complete a pre-screening questionnaire each visit as well as have my temperature taken?
A: We have adopted new protocol and systems on the recommendation of the CDC. We understand that the check in process is time consuming however, the safety and comfort of everyone that enters our doors is our number one priority.
Q: Why are you wearing so much protective equipment?
A: It has always been our practice to follow universal precautions but the developments concerning COVID-19 has resulted in additional PPE requirements. For the safety of the team and patients alike we are following the recommended guidelines from the CDC, ADA and WSDA.
Q: Why do we have to rinse my mouth before a procedure?
A: We pre-rinse to reduce any bacteria or viral load that may be contained in the mouth, it has been shown to be an easy ‘best practice’ for safety of staff and patients.
Q: Why am I having a rubber dam or dri-shield placed for my procedure?
A: We are making every possible effort to reduce aerosols in the office for safety.
Q: What would prevent me from being seen?
A: If you are not feeling well we ask that you reschedule. When you arrive to your appointment we will ask that you complete a pre-screening questionnaire and you will also have your temperature taken. Should you not meet the criteria suggested by the CDC for a safe visit we must postpone.
Q: Why can’t I bring others to my appointment?
A: We understand that having a loved one with you during your visit can be comforting and truly we have always loved having friends and family present. Who doesn’t love a cheering squad? However, as we follow all the recommendations for dentistry during this pandemic, social distancing guidelines are paramount. The guidelines state that the patient must arrive alone or if the patient is a minor, only one guardian is allowed to accompany them to the visit.