Coronavirus California

Reopening California: SF dentist says 'dental office may be safer than going to the grocery store'

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

SF may require coronavirus testing before going to the dentist

In San Francisco, the city will require you to take a coronavirus test before going in for dental work, depending on what you're getting done. But one local dentist believes it's safe to come in, maybe even safer than going to the grocery store.

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Dentists across the Bay Area are preparing reopen, but not without major challenges in front of them.

In San Francisco, the city says a COVID-19 test is required for any patient where a dental aerosol is used, which is most including cleanings.

The only exception is for emergency procedures, which are now allowed to be done without testing.

"If you're coming in for a routine procedure then you will need to be tested for COVID at least 3-4 days in advance, we'll need to know that you're negative before entering into the office," say Dr. Antigone Skoulas, who is a dentist in San Francisco's Union Square.

She says the procedure is designed to be a big help, but there are flaws in the fact that it is not universal among all cities.

There is also a time period after the test is taken that someone could contract the virus.

While she's concerned that some of her patients could opt to go to other offices in other cities without the COVID testing policy, she's optimistic that they will stay.

Dr. Carliza Marcos says the biggest challenge for her office in San Mateo is keeping the current two-week recommendation of protective gear in stock, "the N95's are still a big challenge. A lot of them are coming out to be fake."

Dr. Marcos says her office has worked hard to get proper masks and other equipment in stock. They plan to use face shields, glasses, and N95 masks with an additional L3 surgical mask.

The items have come at a hefty cost too. The N95 masks are selling for anywhere from seven to 26 dollars each, some of which could get passed to the patients.

Both Dr. Marcos and Skoulas say they are so hopeful their patients will come back, and trust them to provide the safest of atmospheres. Dr. Marcos believes, "the dental office may be safer than going to the grocery store."

If you have a question or comment about the coronavirus pandemic, submit yours via the form below or here.

Get the latest news, information and videos about the novel coronavirus pandemic here

RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:

Report a correction or typo

Reopening California: SF dentist says 'dental office may be safer than going to the grocery store'

Related Topics

Coronavirus California

Is pandemic exodus over? Here's a look at SF population data

COVID-19 hospitalizations are increasing in US

New COVID wave and what to expect at the airport this holiday

Here's where COVID wastewater levels are increasing in Bay Area

Top Stories

These Bay Area cities, counties received CA encampment cleanup funding

What to know about Highway 37 planned weekend closures

Crash narrowly avoided for 2 planes at Reagan National Airport

Man sets himself on fire outside courthouse where Trump is on trial

Tesla recalls Cybertruck due to accelerator pedal that can stick