COVID 19 PROTOCOLS

COVID Protocol updates:

 

May 18, 2020

 

While many things have changed in our world over the past few months, we are proud to be grounded and guided by our everlasting mission, vision and values.  At Porteous & Burke Family Dentistry, we are committed to providing our patients and team with the highest quality of dental care in a calm, caring and safe environment.  As always, our commitment to infection control meets and exceeds standards set by OSHA, the CDC and California Department of Public Health. 

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As a result of the emergence of COVID, we have updated our Respiratory Protection Program.  You will notice many changes that we have made in our dental practice to ensure the safety of our patients and team.  This a dynamic situation, therefore the list below may change as new information becomes available.     

 

1.  Our front office team will be working remotely until further notice.  As a result, all patient forms; including the COVID screening questionnaire provided, must be completed electronically prior to your dental appointment.  

New Patient Sign In / Existing Patient Login

In some cases, we may request that you see your primary care physician for a COVID test prior to dental treatment.

This can be challenging and new.   We are available to help by phone!  510-799-4746

 

2.  All fees associated with your treatment must be made online prior to your dental appointment.  Make a Payment

  

3.  Our front office door will remain locked during business hours.  Please wait in your car and call our office number at 510-799-4746 to let us know you have arrived.  We will open the door for you when we are ready to see you.  

 

4.  All patients MUST wear a mask when entering the office.  Upon arrival, our team member will provide you with hand sanitizer and take your temperature.  Any patient with a temperature over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit will be asked to reschedule their appointment.  

 

5.   Only Patients with appointments will be permitted inside the office.  The only exception will be if a single guardian is necessary.  Please do not bring food or drinks inside the office.  Cell phones must be kept stored in a purse or pocket and not taken out while inside the office.

 

6.  We will ask you to gargle with a 1% Hydrogen Peroxide solution for 60 seconds prior to your dental treatment.     

 

7.  Lastly, we are happy to see you!  We may be difficult to recognize under the layers of PPE.  We will be wearing N95 masks, faceshields, and clinical gowns that are laundered off-site by CINTAS (something we have always done).  

 

We are here to support your health while keeping your teeth healthy.  We know these rules may seem rigid and strict.  Please be patient with us while we navigate this situation together.  Thank you for entrusting us with your health and wellbeing!  It is a honor that we take very seriously! 

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Resources:

CDC Guidance for Dental Settings

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 CDPH actively monitors new COVID cases by city.  This is a site we monitor daily so that we are aware of any potential increase or change in case numbers.

 

California Dental Association with guidelines on resuming dental practice as set by the California Department of Health.