Our knowledge of the novel coronavirus is rapidly changing. The information in this article is correct at the time of publishing. For the most current advice, please see your state government's health guidance.
At The Point Dental, we remain up to date with all government-issued updates to essential services. At the time of writing, all non-urgent public dental procedures across Victoria have been placed on hold until July 2020 to contain the spread of COVID-19.
This article explains what is classified as urgent dental care, what services are currently available, and the precautions we are taking to protect both patients and staff.
Current Restrictions
On 25 March 2020, the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) announced Level 3 restrictions for dental services. This means all non-essential or routine examinations and treatments should be deferred, and dentists should only perform services that do not generate aerosols.
Restrictions are being managed by individual states and territories, following advice from the Australian Government, the AHPPC, and the Australian Dental Association (ADA).
What We Are Doing to Reduce the Spread
We are following the ADA's Managing COVID-19 Guidelines and limiting our services to what is permitted under Level 3 restrictions.
Changes we have made to the clinic include:
- Removed magazines and toys from waiting areas
- Adjusted seating to maintain at least 1.5 metres between patients where possible
- Regular surface wiping with alcohol-based wipes (over 60%), including door handles, reception desks, and phones
- Use of hospital-grade, TGA-listed disinfectant
On arrival, patients are required to use hand sanitiser for 20 seconds. Before entering a surgery room, patients must wash their hands before sitting in the dental chair.
Services Available for Patients Not Suspected of Having COVID-19
We can perform dental procedures that do not generate significant blood or saliva. This includes:
- Management of acute dental pain, such as extractions
- Treatment of damaged upper front teeth
- Soft tissue problems such as ulcers
- Care for medically compromised patients with dental concerns that may affect their immune system
- Patients referred by a medical practitioner for medically necessary dental care
- Patients at higher risk of rapid progression of dental disease due to socioeconomic or cultural factors
If urgent treatment involving surgery is required (such as wisdom teeth removal), a referral to a specialist oral surgeon may be needed.
Services Currently Deferred
Unless you meet the urgent criteria above, the following treatments are being postponed:
- Extraction of teeth that are not swollen
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Bleeding or sore gums
- Loose teeth without aspiration risk
- Denture concerns
- Crown and bridge treatments
- Scales and cleans
- Jaw clicking or grinding issues
If you meet the urgent criteria and also present with any of the above symptoms, treatment can proceed.
If you are unsure whether you qualify for treatment, contact our team and we can advise you.
What If I Have COVID-19 and Need Urgent Dental Treatment?
According to the ADA's guidelines, there are very few situations where a patient confirmed with or at risk of COVID-19 would require emergency dental treatment that cannot be managed with pain relief until the end of a mandatory quarantine period.
If urgent treatment is required, you will need to consult with your medical practitioner and a dental surgeon. Appropriate transmission-based precautions will be taken by the treating professional.
What If I Am in Pain and Experience Dental Fear?
At The Point Dental, we have experience working with patients who have dental fear. If you are in pain and feeling anxious about seeking care, speak with our team. We can talk you through the process and support you at every step.