The Toronto and Peel region have been moved back to COVID-19 lockdown, and it won’t be surprising if other regions follow suit soon. Fortunately, dentists can remain open this time around.
While dental practices are still allowed to open, the RCDSO has urged that dentists practicing in Ontario must adhere to the guidance in the College’s COVID-19: Managing Infection Risks During In-Person Dental Care document. The college also encourages dentists to stay proactive in applying stricter measures that have been set out, regardless of your location. You can also run through the self-audit form provided by the RCDSO to ensure that your office is still safely providing in-person care.
For dentists who are practicing in higher risk areas categorized as Orange, Red, or Grey, the college has also recommended additional steps to be followed:
- Avoid aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) whenever possible
- When AGPs must be performed, adhere to advanced precautions as if the patient has been screened/tested positive, even if they have been screened/tested negative.
More details can be found on the RCDSO site: Information on COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)
Given the circumstances, teledentistry will remain the most effective way to “see” your patients during the pandemic. This ensures that your patient receives the attention required without having to be in the chair. By meeting your patients virtually for a preliminary assessment, you can minimize the number of non-essential visits to your office.
The incorporation of teledentistry allows dental offices to maintain their availability while limiting in-person visits during the second lockdown. This extension of dental care will be a relief for those who are vulnerable or apprehensive of visits.
For offices who are experiencing cancellations, be proactive in rescheduling these patients. Meanwhile, you can also continue educating your patients on the safety of dental visits. This will help reshape their perception and be less wary to come in for their procedures.
In conjunction with teledentistry, explore ways you can use your dental management software to help identify gaps in your schedule. This way you can maintain
If you would like to learn more about how our Paradigm Clinical dental management software can enhance your patient management and teledentistry, contact us today!