May 7, 2020 (Updated September 2021)

The following steps are being taken to improve safety for our patient families and team members:

  • SCREENINGS:  We will be performing pre-appointment and same-day wellness screenings. Appointments may need to be rescheduled based on the answers provided.
  • UPON ARRIVAL:  
    • We ask that your family send us a text (or call) and remain in your car.
    • A same-day wellness screening will be conducted via telephone.
  • TO ENCOURAGE SOCIAL DISTANCING:
    • Only one non-patient will be allowed to accompany the patient in the clinic.
    • Children over the age of 6 years are encouraged to come back on their own.
    • There is limited seating in the wait/reception area. We ask that individuals not receiving care wait/reception in the car for the entirety of the appointment.
    • Appointment schedule will be adjusted to minimize the number of people in the clinic at one time.
  • MASKS: 
    • Children over 5 must wear a mask.
    • Children age 2-4 should wear a mask in open bay under close adult supervision.
    • Children under two years of age should not wear a mask.
    • Appropriate masks are to be worn at all times in the clinic, unless actively receiving dental care.
  • UPON ENTRY: All patients and accompanying adults will be required to utilize hand-sanitizer or wash their hands for 20 seconds. Temperatures will be checked with a touchless forehead scan. Those with a temperature >100.0° F will be referred to their physician.
  • SEATING:  
    • Patients and accompanying adults will be seated at least 6 feet apart in clinic and in the reception area.
    • Our reception area and clinic will remain free of magazines and toys. The arcade game will not be available for use.  Please bring whatever your child may require.
    • Frequently touched common surfaces to be wiped down at the start of each hour.
  • AEROSOL GENERATING PROCEDURES: will be minimized or isolated to closed rooms.
    • Dental cleanings will focus on the fundamentals with an emphasis on brushing and flossing their teeth properly and showing them  areas to improve, often with the use of disclosing tablets and photos.  Hand instruments will be used by the hygienist or dentist to supplement the cleaning when indicated. 
  • HIGH RISK: 
    • Patients with special health care needs who have increased risk for morbidity if they contract COVID-19 will be postponed or may be scheduled first in the morning to ensure as clean of a clinic environment as possible.
    • Family members who are considered at high risk of COVID-19 are encouraged not to come into the clinic for appointments.
    • If it is known a patient is positive for COVID-19 and they have a dental emergency, the patient will be referred to Seattle Children’s Hospital.
  • TEAM:  At the start of the day, temperature checks and wellness screenings will be conducted for all team members. 
  • OTHER:  
    • All staff and patients will be listed on daily logs. If any individual tests positive within 14 days of the appointment, these will be easily accessible for contact tracing.
    • Teledentistry will be considered as an option when appropriate.