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

1. Have a fever/history of fever AND shortness of breath or a cough or a sore throat.
2. Severe acute respiratory infection.
3. 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.
4. 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.

Choosing your dental preferred provider should be done with great care. Keep reading now for information which will help you make an informed decision when choosing a dentist and dental financing plan. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about the types of coverage we accept, contact our office.

The importance of the skill, experience, and qualifications of your dental care provider cannot be emphasized enough. However, insurance problems and considerations also have to be addressed before you can make an informed decision regarding choosing a dentist and dental financing plan.

1. The Experience of Your Provider

Experience is one of the first things you have to ask your dental preferred provider. Although recommended and supported by upstanding insurers, not all preferred providers are the same. Depending on the severity of your condition and the complexity of the procedure you will undergo, you will have to make sure the provider you are considering has the experience needed to achieve the desired results. An experienced dentist will know exactly what course of action to take, having performed similar procedures under difficult circumstances countless times.

2. Important Qualifications

Dental payments are difficult to meet without choosing a dental preferred provider. However, you also have to make your choice worthwhile by ensuring your chosen dentist has all the right qualifications required for a preferred provider. Ask whether or not they have national registration at the Australian Dental Board. Most dentists have general registration, while national registration was introduced in 2010, and has been reserved for the most skilled practitioners.

Also, you have to inquire whether the dentist you want to use has adequate qualifications in the services you are considering. If, for example, you need a dental implant, make sure your dentist is qualified and has adequate post graduate training in that specialty with a recognized learning institution.

Leave nothing to chance, and do your own research, so you can make sure your dentist is a reputable and skilled practitioner who can give you the best support and service you can hope for.

3. Insurance Related Concerns

The third question to ask your dentist is, are they a dental preferred provider associated with HBF, MediBank Private, or Bupa? These are three of the most important medical and dental insurance providers in Australian. These companies can offer up to 90% or even 100% coverage, as long as you see one of  their preferred providers.

All these issues are essential when it comes to financing dental work in Australia. You’ll find that making sure you are dealing with a reliable and efficient dental preferred provider like Dr. Yap, is a great advantage, both in terms of financing and receiving the best possible care.

To schedule an appointment or to learn more about the types of coverage we accept, contact our office.