COVID-19 FAQ
Q: What is the Department of Public Health’s recommendation for SARS-CoV-2 testing prior to dental appointments?
A: As of June 16, 2020, the City of San Francisco’s Directive to Dental Offices strongly recommends that patients receiving non-urgent, routine outpatient procedures that generate aerosols to be tested for SARS-CoV-2 virus prior to the appointment. The test should be completed no more than 7 days before your appointment and results received by our office before the appointment.
This directive is only relevant for procedures that are classified as non-urgent, non-emergency aerosol generating procedures (AGP), which includes dental cleanings and fillings/crowns. This does not apply to regular check up exams and x-rays without cleaning, or the treatment of dental emergencies.
Q: Where can I go to be tested? What kind of test do I need?
A: Any adult working or living in SF is eligible for a free test via City Test SF. These are reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction tests (RT-PCR) that amplify viral particles in your nasal passage and is the most accurate representation of current infection status. The results take 1-3 days to process.
Q: I received a negative test more than 7 days ago. Do I need a new test?
A: If you have been maintaining social distancing and taking precautions to avoid infection, a repeat test is not required. If you have any onset of COVID-19 symptoms or been in contact with someone positive for COVID-19 since your test was done, we will refer you to get tested again as soon as possible. If you have recently been travelling or attending large gatherings, our office policy requires you to postpone your appointment for at least 10 days or present a negative test result from within 3 days of your appointment.
Q: I received a positive test, but have no symptoms. What do I need to do?
A: If you have a test confirmation of COVID-19, you are subject to the Health Officer Isolation Directive, which is available here. You must begin Home Isolation Steps to prevent the spread of disease. Please let us know and we will reschedule your appointment for at least 10 days after the date of your test.
Q: What if I am a new patient with a new patient appointment coming up?
A: A dental cleaning is an aerosol generating procedure due to the ultrasonic cleaner and polishing utilized during the appointment. We strongly recommend you get tested prior to your appointment, but this is not a requirement for completing a comprehensive exam, x-rays and dental cleaning as needed. Click here to see what we are doing for aerosol mitigation in our office.
Q: I have a filling or crown scheduled. Do I have to be tested?
A: A filling and/or crown is an aerosol generating procedure. If you are experiencing any sensitivity or pain, this is considered a dental emergency and the treatment should be addressed as soon as possible. A test is not required for emergency care. If you are not experiencing any sensitivity or discomfort but a cavity is present, a negative test is not required but strongly recommended. Click here to see what we are doing for aerosol mitigation in our office.
Q: Is it safe to get treatment without a test?
A: Yes. Our office protocols for sterilization, disinfection and aerosol mitigation go above and beyond what city, state and federal guidelines currently recommend for dental offices to ensure the safety of our patients and team.
Q: Who is considered a vulnerable person? What should I do if I am a vulnerable person?
A: If you are a vulnerable person and you cannot delay your essential dental appointment, we will prioritize your appointment for the earliest time in the day. Please contact us directly if this applies to you. The SF DPH describes a vulnerable person as someone who is/has:
age 60 years or older
staying in a nursing home or long-term care facility
moderate to severe asthma
chronic lung disease
diabetes (type 1, type 2 or gestational)
a serious heart condition (including heart failure, coronary artery disease, congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathies, and pulmonary hypertension)
high blood pressure
chronic kidney disease being treated with dialysis
severe obesity (body mass index of 40 or greater)
chronic liver disease
immunocompromised (including cancer treatment, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, HIV with a low CD4 cell count or not on HIV treatment, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medication)