After 12 weeks of restrictions, Ontario’s dentists got the green light last night to begin planning to re-open their offices.
While you can now book an appointment with your dentist for a cleaning or any other treatment, the Ontario Dental Association has issued a press release letting you know what to expect from your dentist during this ongoing pandemic. While dentists have always followed strict infection-prevention protocols, some new rules are in place in light of COVID-19 for the protection of patients, dentists and their dental teams.
Screening – All patients will be asked COVID-19 screening questions before their appointments, with those successfully clearing this hurdle able to receive treatment. This is the dentist's way of prioritizing patients to ensure those with the most pressing dental-care needs are treated first.
Screening positive – Should a patient screen positive, the dentist will determine if that person requires emergency or urgent care. If not, he or she will be asked to wait until his or her health improves. If emergency or urgent care is needed, that will happen in a closed room, with the dental team in full personal protective equipment, and there will be a wait of up to three hours before the next patient can be seen (the amount of time depending on the office's air-filtration system).
At the office – When you arrive for your appointment, you may have to stay outside the office and wait to be called in – in any case, you will have to sanitize your hands upon entering and leaving the office. You may be asked the screening questions again, and you may be asked to wear a mask (except during treatment).
ODA president Dr. Lesli Hapak said that dentists are happy to get back to providing care, “but it's not like flipping the switch.
“Dentists have a backlog of patients and have to treat those who need immediate care first – it's been 12 weeks since people have been able to see the dentist, and some are in greater need right now. We're asking for everyone's patience and understanding.”
Your dentist will fill you in on new procedures before your next appointment. For more information, visit www.ODA.ca.
