How we're responding to COVID-19
We are committed to providing the safest environment for our patients and staff while our community navigates the COVID-19 pandemic. Below is a list outlining the precautions we've put in place in order to ensure the safety of our patients and staff.
1. Training and educating our team
- Our team has been properly trained in hand washing techniques. Although it may seem basic, hand hygiene is the most important measure we can take to prevent the spread of the virus. We have spent a lot of time ensuring that our team does it well and often throughout the day and especially between patients
- We use the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout the day changing between each patient, or as necessary
- We request that all staff who are not feeling well stay home for at least 2 weeks
- We have everyone in the office take their temperature and oxygen levels at the beginning of each day and send anyone home with an elevated temperature of 100.4 degrees and above
- We have been making sure that we keep our amount of staff to a minimum to ensure that we can physical distance safely and effectively
- We have strict guidelines by which our staff follow and have implemented checklists and procedures to make sure that our whole team arrives to work safely and goes home safely
2. Recommendations and protocols for our team
Before coming to work
- Remove any unnecessary accessories such as rings, watches, and necklaces
- Keep hair tied up and your nails cut short
- If bringing a lunch, place in disposable wrapping
- Bring work clothes in a washable bag
At Work
- Change into scrubs and work shoes or shoe covers as soon as you arrive
- Practice hand hygiene
- Take temperature and oxygen levels
- Sanitize phone
- Leave all personal belongings in your locker
- Use headset whenever possible and clean frequently
- Discourage use of any non-essential items such as loose papers, cell phones, or other personal items
After work
- Wash hands and arms with soap and water
- Change out of your work clothes and place back into your washable bag
- Sanitize all personal items such as phones, keys, or anything that left your personal cabinet
- Wash hands once more with soap and water before leaving the office
At home
- Upon arriving home, immediately remove shoes and clothes
- Wash your hands
- Put your clothing in the washing machine with detergent and hot water
- Shower before touching anything (including loved ones)
3. Patient interviews and physical distancing
Before patient arrival, every effort is made to:
- Screen patients for symptoms, beginning with the first phone call when scheduling with care using established and recommended questions
- Rescheduling any patients who describe having concerning symptoms
- Ask patients to call and reschedule if they develop any symptoms after having made an appointment
- Ask patients who have traveled in the last two weeks to reschedule an appointment
To promote physical distance
- Prioritize high-risk patients with early morning appointments to make less contact with other people
- When booking patients, we are spreading out the schedule so only one patient is in the waiting room at a time and we can limit the number of people who enter the office
- All rooms have been arranged to create as much possibility for physical distance possible
- We ask patients to call us from the parking lot when they arrive and wait in their car or outside until we are ready to bring them in. We will call them when we are ready to treat them
Safety measures taken upon arrival
- We have posted visual alerts at the entrance door and throughout the office advising patients of the COVID-19 risk and advising them not to enter the facility when ill. We have a sign in the bathroom on how to practice proper hand hygiene
- Masks are made available if the patient arrives without one
- Tissues and hand sanitizer are available throughout the office
- We have wastebaskets throughout the office
4. Measures upon arrival of patients
- Patients will be immediately being escorted to a hand sanitizing station
- We sterilize their phones using a UV phone sterilizer
- Making sure to go over the screening questions once more, the patients are asked to provide any new information of symptoms since the time of making the appointment
- We take each patients temperature, oxygen levels, pulse, and blood pressure
- Any patient with a temperature over 100.4 will be asked to leave the office and reschedule their appointment once symptoms subside
- We ask patients to present payment at the beginning of their visit to better create an efficient flow to the patient visit
- Once the patient has completed screening and payment, they are escorted to the operatory room
- The patient will be asked to rinse for one minute with 1.5% hydrogen peroxide before their treatment begins
5. Measures taken when entering the office
- We have removed all magazines and clutter from the waiting room
- We have moved waiting room seating around creating distance between furniture
- Anything that is not easily disinfected has been removed
6. Reception Room and Front desk safety measures
- We ask patients to wait in their car or outside until we are ready for them. This ensures that we only have one patient in the waiting room at a time
- We have air purification and filtration systems in all areas of the office and operatories
- We keep windows open allowing fresh air to circulate throughout
- A dedicated member of our team has been assigned to sanitize all areas that are accessible to touch after every patient (i.e. door handles, counter areas, chairs, and front desk)
7. Protocols of the clinical team
When hand hygiene is performed by our staff
- Before and after all patient
- Contact with potentially infectious material
- Before and after applying personal protective equipment (including gloves)
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- N95 masks/KN95 masks
- Gloves
- Eye protection/face shield
- Gown
- Shoe covers/work only shoes
- We wear respirators or level three surgical masks during all procedures with a level one mask on top
Eye protection
- Eye protection is used upon entry to any operatory or any patient contact
- We use face shields that cover the front and sides of our faces
- Any reusable eyewear and face shields are washed and disinfected prior to re-use
Gloves
- Clean gloves are put on upon entry into the patient care areas
- Gloves are changed between patients or as needed from possible contamination or if they become torn
- We always discard gloves when leaving a patient care area and immediately perform hand hygiene
Gowns
- Clean gowns are used upon entry into the patient care rooms
- Gowns are changed any time they become soiled and they are placed into a dedicated container for linens that are washed every day
- Gowns are prioritized for aerosol-generating procedures and during activities where splash and sprays are anticipated
8. Patients in the operatory
- Health care personnel strictly follow universal infection control practices between patients (i.e. hand hygiene, cleaning and disinfecting shared equipment, regular sanitation practices, etc.)
- We have limited the transport and movement of the patient outside the room
- No other team member should enter the room during a procedure. If necessary, anyone entering the room must use the proper personal protective equipment as mentioned above
- Once the patient has left the operatory, the room undergoes appropriate cleaning and surface disinfection before it is returned to further use
- Special precautions will be taken when performing Aerosol generating procedures
- High volume evacuation will be used for all aerosol producing procedures
9. Protocols after the clinical treatment
- All non-disposable medical equipment used for patient care will be cleaned and sterilized according to OSHA
- We ensure that environmental cleaning and disinfecting procedures are followed consistently and correctly
- Routine cleaning and disinfection procedures using SARS-CoV-2 appropriate products are preformed after each patient
- We also have a mobile, self-contained germicidal fogging device that uses a proven non-toxic, and environmentally friendly disinfectant (Hydrochlorous Acid) which is already used by hotels, airlines, cruise ships, and the food industry, in order to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens on environmental surfaces (approved by the FDA)
At the end of the day
- The team will wipe down all surfaces that are heavily touched (i.e. door handles, chairs, counters, and reception area)
- Fogging of the entire front desk, reception, all operatories, bathroom, and common areas will be performed
- Our commercial cleaning technicians have been instructed and updated on these infection control guidelines
HEPA filtration systems
- We use HEPA filtration in every room and throughout the office
- HEPA air filtration has been shown to filter out any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns or more
- The filters installed exchange all the air in the entire office up to 5 times in 1 hour
- Our AC ducts have UV lights and HEPA filters Merv11
Contact us for comprehensive care in Mill Valley
The team at the dental office of Dr. Gabriela Garcia-Rojas, DDS, welcomes the chance to help you maintain a great smile.
Contact our office today to schedule your dentistry appointment!
Ready to schedule your appointment? Have questions? We're here!
Our team ready to safely treat you at our office
Decontaminating the office with our mobile, self-contained germicidal fogging device
High-volume evacuation will be used for all aerosol producing procedures
Thorough, professional, knowledgeable, and highly skilled staff who use the most modern equipment. Impressive service-oriented approach and teamwork!
Masae K., Google Review
See what our patients have to say about our dental practice
I can't compliment Gabriela and her staff enough after my first visit to her practice since the advent of COVID. The staff was all highly professional, polite, and respectful with particular attention paid to my safety and comfort. It was a first-rate experience especially when one considers the challenging environment in which we are living at this time.
Anthony V., Yelp Review
Thorough, professional, knowledgeable, and highly skilled staff who use the most modern equipment. Impressive service-oriented approach and teamwork!
Masae K., Google Review
I am thrilled to have Dr. Gabriela Garcia - Rojas as my dentist. She fulfills all my requirements and expectations. Her expertise, consideration for comfort, and security of her patients, her responsible attitude towards treatment of wastes, her utmost respect for others makes her the best around. Her staff is top-notch, always smiling, and giving consideration to the patient. Her devotion to a painless appointment is highly regarded. I refer all my clients and friends to Dr. Garcia Rojas and am confident that I will never be disappointed. We are so fortunate to have her.
Jean M., Web Review
She's been taking care of our pearly whites for 8 years, and trust me, with our big family we've put her team through every test: from a simple cleaning to composite work, night guards, e-rays, chipped teeth, nervous patients, hard to get into the office patients... She's gone through a wringer if tests and passed them all with flying colors.
I am always in awe at how Dr. Garcia-Rojas is constantly learning about the latest developments in dental care, keeping up with technology, and all while welcoming you with her warm and calming demeanor, always.
Laura D., Facebook Review
I have been going to Dr. Garcia-Rojas for years. She's an incredible dentist who was able to get me over my phobia of the dentist because of how she cares about her patients. Today was my first visit since the COVID-19 outbreak. They have gone to amazing lengths to protect their patients in that office. I felt safe and well cared for and they have really gone the distance above and beyond what the CDC has even recommended. Thank you to Dr. Garica-Rojas and your entire team for the many years of dentistry.
Stacy A., Google Review
Dr. Garcia-Rojas and the team, even in the middle of the COVID pandemic, meet the challenge and make you feel like patient needs, comfort and safety are first. They are the best!
Joe P., Google Review
Gabriela and her staff have done a very thorough job of ensuring a very safe environment. Most effective COVID I’ve seen yet.
Doug R., Google Review
I've been going to Dr. Garcia Rojas for quite some time. She is professional, of course, but more important to me, she is down to earth and sincere, and explains procedures and listens to questions.
Not only is Dr. Garcia Rojas an excellent dentist, and all of her staff are also pleasant and extremely helpful.
Dr. Garcia Rojas and her staff make going to the dentist, which is usually not fun, a not so bad after all experience.
I highly recommend Dr. Garcia Rojas.
Lois L., Yelp Review
I have been going to Dr. Garcia-Rojas for about 10 years. She is a highly skilled dentist, always on top of the latest techniques and treatments. Dr. Differing has been a great addition. The doctors and staff are super accommodating and friendly.
Steven P., Google Review
Gabriela and the team are awesome and make going to the dentist a great experience considering it's not exactly everyone's favorite thing to do. They've elevated the standard of care here in Mill Valley and utilize the latest in technology as well. Being a bit of a gadget person, I was quite impressed with their laser teeth cleaning setup, very cool tech!
Justin K., Google Review
It was our first time at this gorgeous high-tech dental facility in the heart of Mill Valley to meet with Dr. Cooper Differding and Dr. Gabriela Garcia-Rojas. It was an experience like neither of us have had at a dental office because of the advanced technology they use. Experienced and friendly staff gave us thorough exams using state of the art procedures and equipment. They left no stone unturned. I was even diagnosed with a life-altering condition and told about a treatment plan! I never knew that snoring, clenching teeth, and acid reflex could all be related...and deadly if not treated; leading to the lack of oxygen to the brain, early dementia, enamel erosion from stomach acids, obesity, and even diabetes! Most enjoyable teeth cleaning ever...with no discomfort! Our experience with these delightful people was not only pleasurable but educational as well.
Lisa C., Google Review
These folks are the real deal. They have the latest tech in dentistry with staff that is really competent and more importantly actually cares about their patient's dental health.
Paul B., Google Review
They are awesome. They’ve been my dentist for years.
Tamara F., Google Review
Excellent professional, friendly, warm service from everyone in the office. I have been going here for over two years and will go nowhere else. All the work I have had done here has been excellent. It has also been thoroughly explained to me, which I really like. I give an immense to the treatment provided by Dr. Garcia-Rojas and her wonderful staff. My wife and mother in law go here now as well.
John W., Google Review
Lisa and I had our first visit with Dr. Differding and the staff back in early February. What an amazing experience! Strange to say about a visit to the dentist...right? 🙂
The office is filled with sunlight and it's reflected in the smiles of all the staff members. Beautifully designed suite. State of the art equipment for top-notch professionals. You can't find a more knowledgeable group of technicians.
Everyone treats you with the utmost respect and care. I had the most thorough dental exam in my life. Dr. Cooper Differding is a childhood friend of our boys. It's been a joy to watch him grow into this fine man and we are so proud that his hard work and years of medical schooling has paid off. Cooper has partnered up with Dr. Gabriela Garcia-Rojas, who is another gem.
Elmer C., Yelp Review
I have been very pleased with Dr. Garcia-Rojas and her office. Everyone is friendly. I actually look forward to going and getting a cleaning because the hygienist is really helpful, not judgemental, and has brand new cleaning equipment which does not hurt at all. I love the fact that the hygienist looks for any problems and calls the doctor in rather than making another appointment. Dr. Garcia-Rojas gives a lot of attention to detail in her work such as the crown she did for me.
Marti B., Yelp Review
Another good visit to this terrific practice. A comfortable, fast, thorough cleaning from Claudia. And Shay had laid out clearly what would and wouldn't be covered by the ever confusing world of insurance. Love this group of people and practitioners, and they seem to really like what they do too.
James K., Yelp Review
Sincerely one of the best practices I've ever been to, and I've moved around a bit. The practice is very well run. Both dentists are extremely knowledgeable, kind, and thorough, and the hygienists are excellent. They recently moved to a new building so everything is updated and clean. Within two visits I started moving my family over too. The support staff is very kind, funny, and competent as well. The whole place is calm and focused. I've had two crowns and an old one fixed, a new bite-plate, cleanings and scaling over the past year or so. Dr. Garcia-Rojas has come in when the office was closed just to make adjustments. I think they all just like what they do. A rare treat these days.
James K., Yelp Review
I've been going to Dr. Garcia-Rojas ever since I was a little kid. She is top-notch. Her attention to detail is impressive. The whole staff is extremely professional and friendly. They are very upfront and honest with their billing. I saw Dr. Differding today for the first time and he is top-notch as well. Throughout the procedure, he would explain every step in a very kind and patient way. He's also a local...pretty cool that he stayed around to practice in his hometown!
Steven A., Yelp Review
Dr. Differding was amazing. He could not have been nicer or more accommodating to my requests. He thoroughly explained everything and answered all questions if a friendly manner. Staff and office were really wonderful as well. Highly recommend.
Cathy L., Yelp Review
After seeing the same dentist for nearly 20 years in SF, I decided to try someone closer to home here in Mill Valley. I chose Dr. Garcia-Rojas' office based on Yelp reviews. Wow. I can't begin to describe how superb the experience was. The professionalism, care, attention to detail, and thoroughness of this staff was an order of magnitude better than my previous dentist. I came away not only with a set of sparkling clean teeth but a whole new understanding of dental health and what I need to be aware of to maintain my health. The staff works together in harmony, providing an outstanding customer experience. It's rare to find a health care provider these days that takes such care and manages an office so effectively. First-class experience.
Susan B., Yelp Review
