Coronavirus Safety Procedures at our Dental Clinic
Following recent media coverage about masks and dentistry, I would like to spend a moment to clarify information about Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the dental setting. It is business as usual. We fortunately had the foresight before the shortage of masks and hence have a healthy stockpile. We are as busy as ever.
The risk of exposure to the virus in our dental surgery is extremely low to nil. From day dot, we have always practiced ‘Universal Precaution’. This means that we sterilise all our instruments and disinfect all clinical and reception areas in between every patient to ensure that all viral and bacterial cross contamination is not possible, not just for the current COVID-19 Coronavirus, but for all communicable diseases. Our staff are fully trained and certified to do this to the highest ‘Hospital’ standards.
For more information on our infection control protocols, visit recommended guidelines for infection control at the National Health and Medical Research Council’s website: https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/publications/australian-guidelines-prevention-and-control-infection-healthcare-2019
This ensures the utmost safety for all our patients, staff and our families.
There are many websites that has information on COVID-19. However, I urge everyone to only use reputable sources like The Australian Medical Association website.
Emergency Dental Services and Safety:
What specifically are we doing at our practice to protect patients?
Our strict protocol includes our receptionists establishing if patients
- Have a fever/history of fever AND shortness of breath or a cough or a sore throat.
- Severe acute respiratory infection.
- They have travelled overseas in the last 2 weeks, especially to China, Iran and South Korea, where the number of infected cases has risen dramatically.
- Been in close contact with anyone who has had confirmed Coronavirus (COVID-19) or who has been in a health facility treating them.
We urge that patients relating to the above hold off urgent dental treatment for at least 2 weeks after the potential exposure. This is also applicable to all staff members.