Update on COVID-19 (novel coronavirus)

 

As you will be aware, developments relating to the COVID-19 pandemic have continued to evolve since the last Notice from the Dental Council of NSW on 28 March 2020.

I am pleased to advise that the National Cabinet has from 27 April 2020 recommended the relinquishing of level 3 dental service restrictions and the move to level 2 restrictions, as outlined in the Australian Dental Association’s Managing COVID-19 Guidelines.

Level 2 restrictions permit the provision of dental treatments that are unlikely to generate aerosols or where aerosols generated have the presence of minimal saliva/blood due to the use of rubber dam.  The Council recommends that you access the above guidelines at the link provided for further information regarding the services that can be performed and those that should be restricted or deferred at this time.

The Council reiterates the need for dental practitioners to ensure that they continue to fulfill their obligations relating to infection control when practising in a clinical setting and that they comply with the Dental Board of Australia’s Guidelines on Infection Control.  We all have an obligation to ensure our patients receive the best clinical care in the most hygienic environment possible.

We must also continue to adhere to the government recommendations that are in place to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in both clinical and also non-clinical areas such as waiting rooms and reception areas.  This includes social distancing measures and hand hygiene principles.  Relevant information is available via the Australian Government Department of Health and NSW Health websites.

The Council appreciates that this has been a difficult and stressful time for dental practitioners and it thanks you for your cooperation in adhering to the level 3 restrictions that were in place and your continued observance of the level 2 restrictions from 27 April 2020.  Our adherence to these restrictions has, and will no doubt, continue to assist in ensuring the safety of not only our patients and staff, but ours as well.

Conjoint Associate Professor F. Shane Fryer OAM

President