COVID-19 Update: Announcing Eased Dental Restrictions from 27 April 2020

WE ARE OPEN NORMAL HOURS

We are now going to be open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

COVID-19 Update

The Federal Government and Australian Dental Association have recently announced that COVID-19 restrictions that had been placed upon the dental profession are to be partially lifted after Anzac Day.

The Level 2 restrictions will now allow us to perform more dental procedures in addition to the emergency treatments to which we had been restricted.

We will be resuming treating restorative, orthodontic and non-urgent cases, including examinations. Scale and cleans will not be resumed this time as they are aerosol-generating procedure (which is still restricted under level 2).

The amended restrictions are expected to take effect on 27 April 2020, after Anzac Day.

“It’s great news because it means dentists can open their doors again and attend to a broader range of patient needs and not just emergencies,” ADA president Dr Carmelo Bonanno said.

“Dentists have the highest level of infection control standards which is what makes it viable for them to work under the Level 2 restrictions.”

“People concerned about any oral health issue can call their dentist, and they will make an assessment of possible treatment under the eased restrictions,” Dr Bonanno added.

Closure of thousands of practices across the nation due to the need to control the spread of the virus has impacted on the services that can be provided.

Patients faced long delays for restorative and preventative treatment which could have resulted in their oral health deteriorating considerably.

Further, the economic impacts on dental practices were starting to have a significant effect as many faced short-term or permanent closure as well as staff redundancies.

The Australian Dental Association recognises, however, that today’s announcement is not a complete return to the full scope of practice services.

“This is a huge step in the right direction, and we thank the National Cabinet and the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee for recommending this decisive step which will help patients, dental practices and the economy,” Dr Bonanno said.

“We look forward to the complete return of all dental services further down the track.”

Let’s Help Flatten the Curve!

While the number of cases continues to decrease every day, do not forget to practise preventative measures to keep everybody from acquiring the coronavirus.

Follow these simple tips to prevent the spread of the virus:

• Wash your hands with clean soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and help young children do the same. If there’s no access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Viruses that cause colds can enter your body this way and make you sick.
• Practise social distancing. Keep at least 1.5-metre distance between anyone, especially when you’re in public places.

If you have symptoms listed below, call 000 for urgent medical help.

Symptoms include:

• Fever
• Coughing
• Sore throat
• Fatigue, and
• Shortness of breath

Should you have any concerns, please call Cheltenham dentist on (03) 9553 1249. We are located at 36 Chesterville Road in Cheltenham.