To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 CBHA is following new guidance from the American Dental Association (ADA) and our health departments by temporarily limiting dental appointments to emergency services.

Patients needing emergency dental care are asked to call CBHA at 509.488.5256. Patients will be screened by phone, and those with potentially emergent conditions will be called back by a dental provider. Those needing to be seen in person will all be seen in CBHA’s Othello clinic, at 1515 E. Columbia Street. Clinics in Mattawa and Connell will resume seeing dental patients at a later date, to be announced.

“We want to emphasize that we are continuing to treat dental patients who have an urgent need to be seen,” said Dr. Ji Choi, CBHA’s Chief Dental Officer. “By taking these steps, we can help protect our other patients and staff, to ensure we are back up to full capacity when the new protective recommendations are lifted. As soon as we are back to normal operations, we will notify patients and the public.”

The change is being made to reduce the possible spread of the virus to other patients, operatories, and dental providers, as many dental procedures produce aerosols and droplets that could spread a virus. As well, this change will help make protective equipment available for medical providers caring for those with COVID-19.

According to the Washington State Department of Health patients should still be seen for care related to the relief of pain and management of infection. Routine exams, cleanings, and non-emergency procedures are being rescheduled.

CBHA continues to urge everyone to follow guidance from the CDC and Departments of Health to stay home if they are sick, wash and / or sanitize their hands frequently, cover their cough with their elbow or a tissue, avoid crowds, and maintain a distance of six feet or more when in public.