I am writing to update you on the latest developments regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and recent announcements by our government that will continue to impact dental practitioners throughout NSW.
As you will be aware, the Dental Council of NSW (Council) has been providing regular updates on the Public Health Orders and restrictions that have been in place in Greater Sydney, including Wollongong, Shellharbour, the Central Coast and Blue Mountains, since mid-July. This advice has been provided following consultation with NSW Health.
On 28 July 2021, it was announced that the restrictions currently in place for the above areas should now be observed until 11.59pm on Saturday, 28 August 2021, unless extended. As we know, these measures are being taken to prevent unnecessary movement of the community and to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
Additional requirements have also been announced for certain local government areas. These areas are Blacktown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Liverpool, Campbelltown and Parramatta. Based on the most recent announcement and additional requirements, dental practitioners in these local government areas should restrict care to the assessment and treatment of emergency and urgent dental conditions only. Dental care that does not meet this criteria should be deferred.
For dental practitioners located in other areas within Greater Sydney, including Wollongong, Shellharbour, the Central Coast and Blue Mountains, practice should be restricted to essential care/treatments only. Dental care that does not meet this criteria should be deferred.
As previously advised, the provision of care by registered dental practitioners should always be aimed at achieving an optimum outcome. Dental practitioners must always use their professional judgement when assessing the risk and/or when determining whether the proposed treatment/procedure is deemed to be urgent/emergency/essential care. In this assessment, practitioners should also evaluate whether delaying treatment may lead to an unfavourable result.
It is essential that the possible transmission of COVID-19 is at the forefront of our minds when treating any patient and when assessing the risk involved with each case, particularly noting the Delta variant is highly infectious. This includes appropriate screening of patients.
We continue to have a professional obligation to keep our patients, staff and ourselves safe and this includes adhering to infection control standards and guidelines at all times. The continued use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) by all persons within the dental premises, including waiting rooms, reception and clinics, is critical.
The Council has previously advised that NSW Health and the Australian Dental Association Inc. have developed and updated a number of resources relating to the use of PPE, and these can be accessed via the NSW Health website and the ADA COVID-19 resource portal.
Dental practitioners and their practices are obligated to ensure that they keep abreast of the latest government health advice, and this is available via the NSW Health website.
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
On behalf of the Council, thank you for continuing to adhere to the Public Health Orders and restrictions and for ensuring our patients, staff and community remain safe.
Clinical Associate Professor F. Shane Fryer OAM
President, Dental Council of NSW