Message from the President

The Dental Council of NSW (Council) has been closely monitoring the increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases in the Greater Sydney region and the NSW Government’s Public Health Orders, which aim to avoid unnecessary movement within the community. We are all concerned by these latest developments and acknowledge that we have both a professional and personal responsibility to ensure the safety of our patients, family and loved ones at this time.

Following recent consultation with NSW Health, and noting the increasing COVID-19 cases, the Council recommends that dental practitioners within the Greater Sydney area should defer all non-essential treatment at this time.  NSW Health has placed particular emphasis on those dental practitioners within the South Western Sydney Local Health District and Sydney Local Health District. Dental practitioners in these two local health districts should only undertake urgent or emergency care. Information regarding NSW Health’s local health districts can be found here. 

Furthermore, it is recommended that dental practitioners only treat patients from within their locality, in respect of the temporary stay at home restrictions that limit travel to within their Local Government Area or 10kms of their home. 

NSW dental practitioners are directed to the NSW Health website and the Australian Dental Association Inc. resource portal for additional resources and information relating to COVID-19. Dental practitioners must use their professional judgement when assessing the risk and/or when determining whether the proposed treatment/procedure is deemed “urgent” or “emergency care”. 

All dental practitioners and practices should continue to screen for COVID risk.  It is essential that we all ensure that appropriate risk management measures are implemented and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements are adhered to at all times during the pandemic response.

Other restrictions/measures implemented by the NSW Government include mandatory Service NSW QR Code check in requirements for all workplaces and businesses, which includes all dental practices, from Monday, 12 July 2021.  This is a requirement throughout NSW and not just in the Greater Sydney region. 

The Council notes it is mandatory for those visiting or working at a dental practice to check in via the Service NSW QR Code. It is also recommended that patients check in via the Service QR Code. Further information regarding the NSW Government’s mandatory QR Codes, including how to set up a QR Code for your practice, can be located here.

NSW Health continues to provide updates to the community on COVID-19 developments via its website.  Dental practitioners and their practices are encouraged to regularly review the website for updates.

The Council will also continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates to practitioners as required.

On behalf of the Council, I extend my appreciation to all NSW dental practitioners at this time for adhering to the NSW Government’s Public Health Orders and the COVID-19 restrictions.  We acknowledge the impact that these orders/restrictions have on us as individuals, as well as our patients and families.  It is a difficult time for all of us, however the safety of our community is paramount.

If you are experiencing difficulties, the Council strongly recommends you contact Dental Practitioner Support. This is a well-being support service for dental practitioners funded by the Dental Board of Australia.  An experienced team of counsellors will provide confidential and immediate support.

Dental Practitioner Support can be accessed via 24/7 telephone at 1800 377 700 or at dpsupport.org.au

Clinical Associate Professor F. Shane Fryer OAM

President, Dental Council of NSW