Get Up to 50% Off Teeth Whitening Services!

COVID-19 Update

Safety Measures and Protocols for our Dental Practice

mark-frey-dds
Dear Valued Patients,

Our community has been through a lot over the past few months, and all of us are looking forward to resuming our normal habits and routines.

While many things have changed, one thing has remained the same: our commitment to your health and safety. Given the current environment with Covid-19, we have made some physical changes to the office, along with some additional protocols and infection control measures, to ensure your health and safety and that of our team. Here is a detailed overview of the safety measures in our dental practice:

Physical Changes to Our Office for Added Safety Measures

We have made some physical changes to our office for added safety measures. Some are obvious and others are unseen, but in total they are meant to help create a safer environment for our patients and staff.

Santa Rosa Cosmetic DentistUV-C Non-Ozone Generating Air Filter
  • We have placed HEPA air filtering units in all our operatories and reception area along with upgrading to MERV 13 air filters in our ventilation system.
  • We have installed two UV-C light air purification/filtration devices in our ventilation system, to kill viruses, bacteria and other pathogens, similar to what are used in hospitals and the International Space Station.
  • We have placed high volume extra-oral evacuation suction units in all our operatories to assist in capturing aerosols not caught by the high volume intra-oral suction devices that we normally use when treating our patients.
  • Sneeze guards have been installed in our reception desk area to limit contact between reception and potentially infectious patients.
  • Reception room and all clinical areas have been cleared of all magazines, toys, decorations and displays that are either difficult to clean, or might be touched and handled by multiple people.
  • We have placed hand sanitizer stations, along with easy access tissues and waste baskets in multiple locations throughout the office.

Training and Educating Our Team

Dr. Frey and all the staff, both clinical and in the reception area, receive bi-annual training in infection control as mandated by the State of California. We are all certified by the American Heart Association in Basic Life Support (CPR and AED use). We have an AED in the office. There are few safer places to be than in a dental office. We have also instituted the following measures as part of our training and education:

Santa Rosa Cosmetic Dentist
  • All staff have participated and practiced the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) prior to caring for a patient to prevent contamination.
  • All staff have received a mandated Occupational and Safety Hazard (OSHA) N95 mask fit training.
  • Everyone in the office is asked a series of Covid-19 health screening questions and has their temperature taken at the beginning of every day. We will immediately send home anyone with an elevated temperature (100.2F and above).
  • We encourage staff who are not feeling well to proactively stay home for two weeks.
  • We limit the number of staff providing care to facilitate social distancing within the office and among team members. Staff take their breaks outside, or in their cars to maintain physical distancing.
  • We have a separate clean room where staff can change in and out of their personal clothing and shoes and into their clinical attire.
  • We have created a special checklist of recommendations for our team to follow, so they arrive to work healthy and go home to their families without worry.

Recommendations for Our Team

Before coming to work

Santa Rosa Cosmetic Dentist

  • Take temperature (do not go to work if you or your family member are experiencing symptoms; cough sore throat fever…etc.). All staff will have temperatures taken when they arrive in the office each morning, and will be screened for Covid-19 symptoms and the results logged.
  • Rings and watches should be smooth and cleansable, otherwise leave at home.
  • Tie up hair, keep nails short.
  • Avoid extra accessories.
  • Place phones in Ziplock bags that you will discard at the end of the day.
  • Have work shoes you leave at the office preferably plastic and wipeable with disinfectant.
  • Bring work clothes in a washable bag ( i.e. pillowcase)
  • If bringing a lunch, place in disposable wrapping

At work

  • Change into scrubs and work shoes as soon as you arrive. Place personal belongings in a closet, cabinet or sealed bag to reduce exposure of these items.
  • Leave all clutter (pens, phones, etc.) outside of patient op rooms. Place them in cabinets or drawers.
  • We discourage workers from using other workers phones, desks, offices, and other work tools and equipment when possible.
  • Clean phone handset after use. Hospital-grade wipes and trash receptacles will be by all phones.
  • Do not share creams, lotions, and other cosmetics

After work

  • Wash hands and arms with soap.
  • Remove work shoes and scrubs. Disinfect shoes left at office. Place scrubs in bin to be laundered on site.
  • Wash hands and put clean clothes and shoes and clothes on.
  • Sanitize phone glasses, etc.
  • Wash hands again

At home

  • Wipe down car steering wheel, door handle, gear shift, radio, seat.
  • Remove street clothes and shoes and put clothes in laundry, or in sealed /washable bag to launder later.
  • Shower immediately with soap & water before touching anything especially loved ones).

Patient Interviews and Social Distancing

Before patient arrival every effort is made to:

  • Filter patients during phone call when scheduling appointments for care using established and recommended screening checklists and scripts. Ask them to arrive with their own mask and pens for signing documents. Inform them of the procedural changes they can expect when they arrive at the office.
  • Reschedule patients who show any signs of a cough, or fever or describe having any warning signs.
  • Instruct patients to call ahead and reschedule their appointment if they develop symptoms of respiratory infection (eg. cough, fever, sore throat…) on the day of their appointment.

Promote Social Distancing

  • Prioritize high risk patients (immune compromised, over age 60, diabetes, etc.) with early morning appointments so less contact with others.
  • When booking patients spread out the schedule so there are less people in the office at any given time. Patients may have to wait in their cars or outside the front door. Ideally, only two patients at a time, three if a double hygiene day. Schedule so they don’t all finish at same time. Only one person checking out at front desk at a time.
  • If patient is being accompanied, their escort should wait in the car. Only one parent will be allowed to enter the office with a child. Parents should please avoid sending grandparents or guardians over the age of 60 (high risk groups), to accompany a child. Supply a mask and shield to anyone who accompanies the patient if they don’t have one.
  • Utilize “virtual” waiting room: patients can fill out registration forms in their cars or chairs outside the office where they can be contacted by mobile phone when it’s their turn to be treated.

Additional safety measures

Santa Rosa Cosmetic Dentist

  • Visual alerts (signs and posters) are posted at entrance to front door advising patients of the COVID-19 risk and advising them not to enter the facility if feeling ill. Visual alerts should also provide instructions about hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene and cough etiqutee
  • Masks and tissues made available near entry to every patient and instructions provided on how to use tissues to cover nose & mouth when coughing or sneezing, to dispose tissues and contaminated items into waste receptacles.
  • Limit points of access to the office. All interior doors left open to avoid contact with door handles
  • All keyboards and mice covered with plastic saran wrap. Place charts under vinyl coverings on back counter of treatment areas.
  • Wrap x-rays with chair covers.
  • On regular basis wipe all touchable surfaces, including chair arms, door handles, tables, light switches, bathrooms hangers and anything else people come in contact with.

Measures Upon Arrival and During Clinical Treatment

  • Upon arrival patients should call to let us know they are here. Pre-screening questions should be asked over the phone. They can wait in their cars or come sit outside the front door. Their temperatures can be taken outside while they are waiting, or at the time we are ready to bring them in.
  • If patients have already filled out their forms, collect them from their cars, or have them bring the forms to the door. If they need forms, they can come to the door and get them and fill them out outside, preferably with their own pen.
  • Immediately upon entry they should be escorted to a hand washing station (eg bathroom or hand sanitizer area).
  • Patients should sign pre-screening form, then be escorted into the operatory as quickly as possible to avoid lingering in front office.
  • As point-of-care testing for the SARS-CoV-2 virus becomes more available, we will incorporate this added benefit to screen patients and staff.
  • Clinical staff should wash their hands, then don masks, eyewear and gowns before escorting the patient to the operatory. Drape the patient, review medical history, then wash hands, glove, wear face shield and proceed with treatment.
  • Both high speed intra-oral and extra-oral evacuation should be used simultaneously when performing any aerosol generating procedure.
  • Limit transport and movement of patient outside the treatment room.

Protocols After Clinical Treatment

  • Remove gloves, face shield, wash hands and schedule patient for next visit either at work station, or escort to front desk. Remove gown gown (if reusable gown, place in laundry bin in operatory), wash hands, re-glove and proceed to clean room.
  • Clean operatory. Drain all water lines for 2 minutes. Remove all disposables, including plastic wrap on keyboards & mice. Spray and/or wipe all surfaces with hospital-grade surface disinfectant including counter tops, bracket tables, x-ray units cabinet handles, chair arms etc. Re-usable face shield inserts should be replaced and dirty one placed in disinfecting solution. Take instruments to sterilization room. Remove mask and replace if dirty or worn, or place in UV-C disinfecting unit for re-use later. Put on new mask.
  • While room is decontaminating, wash hands and write up chart notes in consultation room, or other area outside operatory.
  • Once appropriate disinfectant times have been met, prepare room for next patient by covering all touch contact points with disposable barriers, including x-ray heads, keyboards, and chairs. Bring in a tray with sterilized bagged instruments for the next procedure.
WordPress Lightbox
Jeff L.
Jeff L.
1674757839
Excellent dentist, very professional and friendly team! Thank you!
Nicholas L.
Nicholas L.
1673576417
Great experience and friendly staff highly recommend for dental care.
Bonnie B.
Bonnie B.
1668642846
I've been going to Dr. Frey for over 18 years. My dental care has been excellent.
Jann A.
Jann A.
1650562411
Dr. Frey has been my dentist for years. He replaced eight of my front upper teeth with beautiful crowns! He is a committed professional that will honestly advise you on procedures you need, or more unusual, the procedures you don't or can delay. His staff is knowledgeable and friendly!
Dahye J.
Dahye J.
1632331162
Fran S.
Fran S.
1632183008
Warm reception from entry door through the whole office. Polite, pofessionals. Have been taken care of my dental care for a lot of years. Highly recommend them.
Clay S.
Clay S.
1631762152
Pleasant, courteous, efficient Dentist and other staff.
Larry U.
Larry U.
1629237599
makes going to dentist fun
Laura O.
Laura O.
1628821890
PAUL B.
PAUL B.
1620264013
My first dentures officially started today with castings. I anticipated it being uncomfortable and it was but this process was painless. Next stop the model.
Bette Rice V.
Bette Rice V.
1604355267
I’ve been a patient of Dr. Mark Frey for many, many years and have had lots of basic dentistry as well as restorative and cosmetic dental work completed. He has walked me through each procedure, included me in the planning and provided painless treatment to give me teeth that make me proud to smile! Years ago when I was looking for a dentist (mine had retired) a good friend , who was a very committed periodontal hygienist, recommended him. I have never been disappointed. He stays current regarding the most current and effective dental treatment plans. His entire staff is amazing.....Angel, office manager; Bonnie, his right hand assistant; Aimee, his fabulous hygienist. I have total faith in this dental practice and would feel confident recommending them to anyone!
Lynn C.
Lynn C.
1601938730
I felt very safe going back to see Dr. Frey at long last. And I really needed the visit as I knew I needed more than a cleaning appointment! They are wearing so much PPE that I am surprised that they can work efficiently, and there was air flowing through the room as well, and lots of hand sanitizer everywhere. And of course, they are very nice and friendly people and Dr. Frey is a great dentist!
Nancy N.
Nancy N.
1600987204
I feel so comfortable because they are so caring and professional.
Cameron T.
Cameron T.
1597078018
Amazing, love the place and the people.
Vince G.
Vince G.
1594329584
Dr Frey does fantastic work and never tries to sell you services you don't need. 100% on the level. The hygienists are fantastic as well. I have some super sensitive spots on my teeth and a low threshold for pain and, despite that, Corrine always gets me through the cleaning with no stress. Angel at the front desk demonstrates great attention to detail in keeping your procedures on track and your billing straight. Even though I visited today, during the time of coronavirus, I felt safe due to their safety procedures.
Chelsey D.
Chelsey D.
1593297583
Lindsey H.
Lindsey H.
1545094146
I love this office. Dr. Frey is by far the best dentist I have ever seen. He is so gental, competent, and he makes you feel at ease. The office staff are all very friendly and wonderful, too! I have received great care from them. My temporary crown fell off and they squeezed me in and fixed it the very next day! I drive for three hours just to come to this office. I highly recommend them if you are looking for a great dentist.
K O.
K O.
1543103926
I wrote below review 4 years ago. Last night my front tooth/crown fell out... 20 minutes after leaving a message on Dr Frey's emergency message line, he called me back and made an appt to fix my tooth at 10am today - Saturday - even tho office was closed & staff were enjoying their Thanksgiving weekend. Amazingly speedy service! Thank you once again for being an awesome, caring dentist!_________Awesome dentist & team. It's a comfort to have the assurance of quality, professional, state of the art dental care. I am always given careful, patient service and I can count on attention to detail. On top of this, it's a pleasure to see everyone here for routine visits. Thank you!
Jill M.
Jill M.
1542405946
My daughter and I just had our first visits and we could not be happier. Everything was explained, the entire office was kind and there was no “upselling”. We were referred by a friend and I’ll be referring people too. Thank you!
Megan F.
Megan F.
1541698249
5 stars! Great Dentist! My son used to have anxiety but today he was calm and relaxed! We are very happy!
Evan G.
Evan G.
1541538510
Probably THE most together dental office I have ever visited. Quick, thorough, professional, friendly, really put me at ease. Their work is TOP notch. Two Thumbs up +.
Susie M.
Susie M.
1535137799
I am serial tooth-grinder, and did a lot of damage. Dr. Frey and his amazing team reconstructed my smile. They have my highest recommendation.
HEIDI B
HEIDI B
1526360006
This is a very relaxing atmosphere with excellent dental care. The staff is caring, knowledgeable and fun.
Jenna K.
Jenna K.
1522210213
Dr Frey and his staff were compassionate and understanding about my dental history, very informative and explained my treatment plan perfectly. I’m excited to be a patient.
Penelope H.
Penelope H.
1520558163
Radrodro V.
Radrodro V.
1509671346
Very friendly staff and thank you Dr Frey for taking time to talk and explain things to me.
Kerri G.
Kerri G.
1498018479
Always friendly and caring staff.
rhona K.
rhona K.
1489643633
Its a place you always look forward for your next visit. Its that GOOD.
Eric B.
Eric B.
1489019803
As good as it can be!
Hunter P.
Hunter P.
1484849994
Donna R.
Donna R.
1478740126
Dr. Frey, Bonnie and Angel were all wonderful! He is gentle and very competent. Definitely knows what he's doing!
Josephine B.
Josephine B.
1478645189
Competent, caring, cheerful.
Norm C.
Norm C.
1469662456
As usual, the doc is the best and so is the staff.However, maybe it's just me but I found it difficult to get to the "Review" portion.
Melba M.
Melba M.
1465334435
I am hoping you make 5 star tooth repair as i do not know where to get any quality dental work here in sonoma calif.If you can e-mail me before 5 pm today it is tuesday my home number is 869-8095 my name is Melba an emergency
Elizabeth du P.
Elizabeth du P.
1434499295
My 3- and 4-year-old boys just had their first visit and seemed to enjoy it!! (The prizes at the end were a big deal!) Thank you!!
Mary B.
Mary B.
1413248114
I've had some terrible experiences at dental offices but I have yet to endure a bad one at Dr. Frey's. He recently fit me into a busy day when I had an emergency and as usual, showed me much compassion and gave me suggestions if the fix didn't work. So far so good. I'm always happy with the professional and pleasant staff, especially Angel and Aimee. I've recommended several people to Dr. Frey and will continue to do so as long as he has a practice.
Vaughn S.
Vaughn S.
1377257884
Dr. Frey, Angel, Betty and the Whole Staff are great!!
Sophie F.
Sophie F.
1374127759
Hillary R.
Hillary R.
1373601656
Anet D.
Anet D.
1351874139
Thank you, Dr. Frey, for seeing me right away when I broke a crown that was 20 years old and had been put in by a dentist in another city. I really appreciate that you worked through your lunch time to fix it. I value your skill and the way you take care of your patients. Thank you so much.
×
js_loader