Pandemic proof dental care

With the current Omicron outbreak and re-opening of the WA border, no doubt there will be some people who will have to defer their dental work due to illness or isolation once caseload numbers increase.

The good news is that unlike previous lockdowns, dentistry can continue as we are an essential service. There will be some changes to the way we operate, but we can remain open, and see patients safely due to the implementation of new protocols. These protocols are designed to keep you and our team safe, while still being able to continue with dental care. Find out more about what protocols we have in place to keep you safe here.

There are some treatments that can continue with minimal disruptions. These include:

1. Invisalign treatment – this treatment only produces minor aerosols, and once you receive your aligners, you can even arrange a contact-less pickup with us when you need your next few sets. We can also arrange for a telehealth consult or you can send us photos of your teeth to check they are moving properly.
2. Teeth whitening – you can do this in the comfort of your own home, and do a contactless pickup with us. We can provide detailed written instructions, and you can always call us if you need any specific help. All we need to do is to take moulds of your teeth, which only takes a few minutes, and again, produces no aerosols.
3. Digital Smile Design – now is a great time to find out exactly what your teeth would look like with a smile makeover. You can ‘try before you buy’ and trial your new smile with us before planning out your treatment. Find out more about Digital Smile Design technology at our Claremont dental clinic here.
4. Most general dentistry procedures. We can continue to do most treatments but will reduce aerosol producing procedures where possible, and use dental dam and high speed evacuation.

Our team is making these changes to the way we operate in order to ensure we do not have any known cases of COVID-19 at our practice:

1. Our team has had fit checks for N95 masks. We will be wearing N95 masks with a surgical mask over the top (changed for every patient), as well as a face shield.
2. We will be swabbing high touch surfaces such as benches, door handles, HICAPs machines after every patient.
3. Our team will be using RAT tests on a weekly basis.
4. We will be asking patients not to bring any accompanying persons to reduce the number of people in the waiting room.
5. All patients will be screened prior to their appointment time and also when they attend for their appointment to ensure they do not have any symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in contact with any known cases.
6. We have air purifiers working the whole day in our clinical rooms.
7. All of our staff are vaccinated against COVID-19 with a minimum of 2 vaccinations (some have had 3).
8. Our team will not attend work if they are symptomatic.
9. We will endeavour to limit aerosol-producing procedures where possible.
10. We encourage cash-less payment methods.

Do you have questions? Feel free to contact our friendly team on 6143 5655. You can also book a consultation at your convenience online here.

Author: Lydia