To All of Our Patients/Friends,

In an effort to support national pursuits to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, our practice is taking steps to help ensure your health and well-being and that of our community.

Things will look different when you come to your appointment. Please review our current protocols.

PRIOR TO YOUR APPOINTMENT: 

     -     Our office will contact you beforehand to confirm your appointment and ask you some screening questions.

     -     We request that you thoroughly brush your teeth at home before coming to your appointment.

• WHY? Brushing well before the appointment reduces the amount of soft plaque on your teeth. This allows your hygienist to focus on removing subgingival (under the gumline) plaque and tartar. The subgingival buildup is what causes gum disease and cannot be removed at home by routine brushing and flossing.

     -     The office A/C will feel cooler. Please dress accordingly.

• WHY? Due to the extra layers of PPE, the providers will be warm and we’ll be keeping the thermostat lower.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT THE BUILDING:

     -     Please contact the office at 206-524-5700 and let us know that you have arrived. We will let you know if we are ready for your appointment.

• WHY? This is to ensure the control of social distancing requirements that are in place as our waiting room is very small.

     -     If you did not arrive by a personal vehicle then proceed to the office and wear a face mask that covers your nose and mouth. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided to you.

ONCE YOU ARE IN THE OFFICE:

     -     After your temperature is taken and hands are sanitized, you will be escorted from the reception area to the treatment room by a member of our team. Your hygienist will be waiting at the treatment room for you, wearing an approved face mask, face shield, gloves and isolation gown/scrubs.

• WHY? This limits the potential for cross-contamination.

     -     The cleaning will be done with hand scalers only. There will be no rubber cup polishing or ultrasonic / “cavitron” scaling.

• WHY? Rubber cup polishers and ultrasonic scaling generates significant quantities of airborne particles, and increases the risk of disease transmission.

          o Note: The hygienists will be working hard to remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth, particularly under the gumline.

     -     Significant or heavy stains on your teeth may not be completely removed at your cleaning appointment at this time.

• Certain kinds of tooth staining may not be removed due to the limitations of hand scaling. Your hygienist will focus on removing the tartar and plaque that causes gum disease and compromises your oral health.

• We will check and ensure that any stains are only esthetic concerns, and do not indicate any dental health issues.

We will continue to monitor the status of COVID-19 nationally and within our community and keep you up-to-date regarding our plans and infection control protocols.

Please contact us if you have any further questions or concerns. We can be reached by phone at 206-524-5700 or by email to gbelldds@aol.com and will respond as soon as we can.

Thank you,

Dr. Gary Bell and Staff