We have missed all of you and hope this message finds you all safe and healthy!  Hopefully everyone has been able to spend some extra quality time with their children and discover a new hobby or two.

Our number one priority is everyone’s safety and well-being.  We have been staying up-to-date with the latest recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), California Department of Public Health, San Mateo County Department of Health and CAL/OSHA.  Our team has updated protocols and purchased additional equipment as we learn more about how to best keep our staff and patients safe.

Some of the changes you will see at your next appointment will include:

Screening:

• • Before the appointment, we will complete a screening questionnaire for each patient.

Infection Control:

• • We follow all recommended disinfection protocols and protective measure throughout the office.

Medical Grade Air Purifiers and Upgraded HVAC and Exhaust System:

• • Captures 99.9% of particles down to 0.1 microns

Masks:

• • ​With the end of the California COVID-19 State of Emergency on February 28, 2023, California has revised its current masking framework.
    • California’s path forward will be predicated on our individual, smarter actions that will collectively yield better outcomes for our neighborhoods, communities, and state.
    • Consistent with the SMARTER Plan, California has updated its masking guidance based on the CDC COVID-19 Community Levels​ and is intended to provide information that each Californian should consider based on their unique circumstances.

• • Effective April 3, 2023, ​the updated mask guidance in healthcare settings are:
    • Low COVID-19 Community Levels: Wearing a mask is optional and should be considered.​
    • Medium COVID-19 Community Levels: Wearing a mask is recommended.
    • High COVID-19 Community Levels:  Wearing a mask is strongly recommended.

• • Regardless of the COVID-19 Community Levels, CDPH recommends:
    • Wear a mask around others if you have respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, runny nose, and/or sore throat),
    • Consider wearing a mask in indoor areas of public transportation (such as in airplanes, trains, buses, ferries) and transportation hubs (such as airports, stations, and seaports).  This is increasingly important as the risk for transmission increases in the community.
    • When choosing to wear a mask, ensure your mask provides the best fit and filtration (respirators like N95, KN95 and KN94 are best).
    • If you’ve had a significant exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, wear a mask for 10 days.

We look forward to seeing you again and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the steps we take to keep you, and every patient, safe in our practice.  For further information, feel free to call our office at 650.574.4447.