APEX Dental

PEX Dental was just one of the places I plucked out of the phone book, but they have private rooms on request, and everyone wears surgicals, but were open to wearing N95s that they have in office (they weren’t auras, but they were ok).

It was a real negotiation to get all of that into place, but once I was there, things were really okay, and they were very, very accommodating. The entire office masked because I was coming in (surgicals, and didn’t mask well, but I don’t even expect front desk staff to mask, you know?).

As I was checking out, I asked the office manager Tao if they were open to new patients who were like me. I was VERY clear, they’d all want:
1. First appt of the day
2. Private room, door closed
3. N95s on everyone who enters the room

and without hesitation, she said they could accommodate that, and she said it with confidence. There are only 2 people working the phones: Thao and Michelle (503-256-9224). All someone has to do is “tell them you’re immunocompromised” and she asked people to remain flexible. I said we were an accomodating group. I asked about OHP and she said they take OHP!!!!!!! If you do make an appt, feel free to use my name, and reiterate those requests above

Now, in full transparency, here’s how the office works. There’s a parking lot, and a door to the outside, and a hallway to other offices, The first door is Apex. The waiting room was empty, it was 2pm. It was small, but very close to the outside, you could just wait outside. Everyone in the office was wearing a black surgical, as I said, most of them were baggy and loose, but I figured that was better than nothing. They led me to a private room with two doors. I did not sense there was great filtration, because I couldn’t feel a breeze at all, so if I went back, I’d bring an air purifier, just to layer. I had brought Auras because they said it might be neccesary, but the dentist came in wearing an N95 w ear loops. Not the best, not the worst. When doing any service, they wear N95s, but this was just an exam, so you have to ask. I got the sense they’d have swapped if I asked. The hygenist did the same. They took Xrays with what looked like a portable camera, so I didn’t have to go to another space.

I had to keep asking them to close the door behind them, which they were willing to do but just not used to. The dentist did not make fun of or light of my requests in any way. Everyone was very kind and receptive once there.

So, I’d say it’s a real option, and I expect they’ll get better as they get more practice with people like us.