With the facts and situation surrounding COVID-19 (Coronavirus) continuing to evolve, I have developed office protocols using sound scientific and public health advice to protect all of our health.

In addition to our usual fanatical clean standards, we are appointing patients further apart to allow staff more time to disinfect more thoroughly and reduce traffic in the reception area.

As a member of the healthcare profession, my staff and I have to play our part in slowing the spread of the Coronavirus and limiting infections. Out of an abundance of caution, I am delaying all elective operative dental procedures that involve creating an aerosol (using a drill) in the mouth for at least two weeks. We are also, for that time cancelling all routine hygiene visits for all patients over the age of 60 and for anyone else who has any symptoms or is self isolating for the protection of their family or dependents.

We will be seeing patients for diagnosis, consultations, crown seatings, impressions, repairs, and of course all emergencies. Please call if you have any questions.

We ask that you tell us if you suspect you are carrying the virus to reappoint for a few weeks later.

The office will be open during usual office hours and we will always be available for emergency treatment.

As information becomes available, there may be changes to our policies and we will post them on this website as soon as possible.

See the Stanford Hospital Guidance sheet on the Coronavirus if interested. Any new information that that I come across, that I think would be helpful to my patients, will be posted as soon as possible.

Thank you for your continued trust in our care.

Patrick C. Smith, DDS and Staff.

From a member of the Stanford hospital board. This is their feedback for now on the Coronavirus:

1. If you have a runny nose and sputum, you have a common cold

2. Coronavirus pneumonia is a dry cough with no runny nose.

3. This new virus is not heat-resistant and will be killed by a temperature of just 26/27 degrees. It hates the Sun.

4. If someone sneezes with it, it takes about 10 feet before it drops to the ground and is no longer airborne.

5. If it drops on a metal surface it will live for at least 12 hours – so if you come into contact with any metal surface – wash your hands as soon as you can with a bacterial soap.

6. On fabric it can survive for 6-12 hours. normal laundry detergent will kill it.

7. Drinking warm water is effective for all viruses. Try not to drink liquids with ice.

8. Wash your hands frequently as the virus can only live on your hands for 5-10 minutes, but – a lot can happen during that time – you can rub your eyes, pick your nose unwittingly and so on.

9. You should also gargle as a prevention. A simple solution of salt in warm water will suffice.

10. Can’t emphasis enough – drink plenty of water!

THE SYMPTOMS

1. It will first infect the throat, so you’ll have a sore throat lasting 3/4 days

2. The virus then blends into a nasal fluid that enters the trachea and then the lungs, causing pneumonia. This takes about 5/6 days further.

3. With the pneumonia comes high fever and difficulty in breathing.

4. The nasal congestion is not like the normal kind. You feel like you’re drowning. It’s imperative you then seek immediate attention.