At Dental Specialists of California, we understand that the current public health crisis has complicated routine daily practices. While we can’t say for certain exactly when local, state, and federal mandates regarding the pandemic will lessen or end, we assure you that everything we do at our practice has our patients’ overall health and wellbeing at heart.

We also understand that some of the extra steps we are currently taking to minimize the chances of transmission may seem frustrating; however, our office is only able to remain open if we follow these ordinances. Regardless, patients can still expect the same commitment excellence that we have always displayed and we are doing everything we can to make sure that our patients’ experiences are as welcoming, comfortable, and successful as possible.

Why These Guidelines are Necessary

According to the CDC, COVID-19 transmission is believed to occur between individuals in close proximity through respiratory droplets that occur during coughing, sneezing, and even talking; hence, the six-foot minimum distance between people. Additionally, COVID-19 often spreads between asymptomatic people (those who don’t show any signs of being infected) and can also be transmitted through contact with infected surfaces in laboratory conditions. While it is unclear how long COVID-19 survives on surfaces in non-laboratory conditions, in an abundance of caution, all surfaces that come into contact with patients are being thoroughly disinfected regularly.

In dental settings specifically, there are many instruments, procedures, and surfaces that create or come into contact with respiratory droplets and other bodily fluids. While there has not been a cluster of COVID-19 cases that have occurred due to dental practices in the United States, the likelihood of accidental transmission is assumed to be high and therefore warrants additional safety measures. At Dental Specialists of California, we are making every effort to clean and disinfect all surfaces between visits while conducting two sets of screenings for every patient: first via telephone and secondly before patients can enter our office.

What Should I do if I Test Positive for COVID-19 after I Visit the Dentist?

The CDC recommends that patients alert their dental care providers if they develop symptoms or test positive for COVID-19 within two days of a visit. This allows us to take the necessary precautions to ensure that all parties involved (staff and patients) can be notified promptly, in addition to enabling us to thoroughly clean our dental center to prevent any spread.

Other CDC Guidelines

In addition to ensuring that our office is as clean and safe as possible for all our patients, we are prioritizing patients based on urgency. While this may mean that some patients may have to wait longer than usual to be seen by Dr. Verdi, we are doing everything we can to see every patient that requires in-office services in a timely manner.

Questions? Call Us

If you have any questions about safety during the pandemic or want to make an appointment safely, please call us at the number on your screen or visit our contact page.