We are working diligently to ensure that you have a safe and comfortable experience at your appointment. We follow all safety recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the California Dental Association (CDA), and the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH).
As we continue to monitor current guidelines, our policies may change accordingly.
We have implemented the following COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS:
- Both doctors undergo regular Covid testing and the results are posted at the reception desk.
- Patients are required to wear a face covering when not in treatment.
- A hand sanitizing station with masks is available for patients to use when exiting the elevator.
- A tempered glass sneeze guard is in use at our front desk area.
- Patients are asked COVID-19 screening questions and having temperatures taken with a touch less forehead thermometer.
- Patients rinse with a hydrogen peroxide mouthwash before treatment.
- All staff members have a daily wellness check and their temperatures taken and recorded.
- Additional personal protective equipment will be worn by staff, including N95 masks, gowns and face shields.
- We are following social distancing protocols. Please try to avoid bringing companions to your appointment as they may be asked to wait outside. Only 1 parent/guardian accompanying a minor child is allowed.
- We have separated the chairs in our waiting area and have removed magazines, brochures, patient samples, and toys.
- Medical grade Hepa air purifiers have been installed in the waiting room, front desk area, and all treatment rooms.
- Window fans have been installed to vent air from the treatment rooms to the outside.
- Zyris Isolite patient vacuum systems and extraoral suction devices are installed in all treatment rooms to greatly reduce aerosol production.
- We have always cleaned surfaces with an approved disinfectant and continue to do so. We are adding a FDA-approved electrolyzed salt water fogger as a natural alternative to using toxic chemicals to sanitize all surfaces in our rooms. This is the same technology currently being used in hospitals, airports and hotels.
Virus testing before dental appointments is NOT required (Updated by the SFDPH 6/16/2020)
Testing is not required for the following procedures:
- Emergency dental appointments
- Cleanings, x-rays, and exams that are completed with hand instruments only
- Botox therapy
- Invisalign aligner checks
Testing is strongly recommended by the SFDPH but not required for any procedure where aerosol is generated, including:
- Fillings
- Shaping teeth for crowns
- Deep cleaning
- Tooth extraction
- Invisalign appointments to place or remove attachments
Note: During any aerosolizing procedure, we will be using intraoral Isolite devices, extraoral suction devices, and/or 4-handed dentistry to help reduce aerosol by well over 90%.
How can patients get tested?
Patients can access a free drive through virus test by pre-registering online. Contrary to the instructions on the City Test SF home page, anyone can register for a free drive through test. You no longer have to have Covid-19 symptoms or be an essential healthcare worker to get a test. Results are usually made available to you online 24-36 hours after your test.
Thank you in advance for your understanding and participation in these office policies.
You are helping to keep yourself, other patients and our staff safe and healthy!
Julia Hallisy, DDS & Tara Johnston, DDS and staff
