20/07/2021
Dear Members,
We have been working hard over the day with SA Health to determine exactly the level of COVID-19 restrictions that will apply to dental practices as of 6pm tonight.
At this stage – we have received confirmation that Level 4 ADA Restrictions will be in place from 6pm tonight and until further notice.
Only the following dental treatments are to be managed during Level 4 restrictions:
- Swelling of the face, neck or mouth
- Dental trauma causing change in the position of teeth, soft tissue
damage and/or significant pain
- Significant bleeding
- Difficulty opening the jaw and/or swallowing
- Referral from a specialist medical practitioner for assessment or
management of a patient receiving urgent medical care for
medically necessary dental care
- Dental pain causing loss of sleep
- Ulcers persisting for 3 + weeks
Defer all dental treatment for patients not fitting the risk categories identified above.
Defer dental treatment for confirmed, probable or suspected cases of COVID-19 where alternative management options (such as antibiotics or pain control) are appropriate until recovered and released from isolation.
Patients confirmed as COVID-19 positive, should NOT be treated in office based practice as full airborne precautions are required.
Please ensure that your staff are available to deal with calls from your patients about their dental emergencies, with after-hours messages and websites providing clear direction on emergency procedures. Please DO NOT refer patients to the ADASA office as we will be unable to deal with any patient requests.
For information on how to deal with the HR implications of the lock down – please visit the Federal ADA HR Support Section at https://www.ada.org.au/Covid-19-Portal/Dental-Professionals
Whilst the office will be closed in line with restrictions, we will be available to our Members via email admin@adasa.asn.au or 08 8272 8111.
We will continue to update you on any further developments as they arise.
Thank you for your patience and continued support.
