If you are planning to have a dental check-up or cleaning, you may want to contact your dentist to reschedule if you haven’t heard from them already.
On Sunday (March 15), the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario issued a message to its members strongly recommending that all non-essential and elective dental services should be suspended immediately.
The college is recommending that Ontario dentists only provide emergency treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have received many calls over the past 24 hours from dentists and hygienists concerned about keeping dental practices open and putting their patients, communities, and staff at risk,” the college states.
“In addition, many health care providers in community settings have not been able to secure a reasonable supply of PPE [personal protective equipment] that would be required to actively treat COVID-19 cases. These factors, along with a spike in new cases and the call for effective social distancing, make it clear that bold action is required.”
The college says it will continue to enforce infection prevention and control (IPAC) standards, in cooperation with public health authorities
“The current crisis requires continued rigour regarding IPAC,” the college states. “The college will not be relaxing any standards or required processes.”
At least one dental practice in Peterborough (Cornerstone Family Dentistry on Reid Street) is already contacting patients to reschedule non-emergency work.
