Quebec dental practices will now only handle emergencies
The COVID-19 has also sunk its teeth into Quebec’s dental industry.
The Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ) and the Ordre des hygiénistes dentaires du Québec (OHDQ) announced new guidelines for dental practices in the province on Monday.
- See also:
“Starting on March 16, for a period of 14 days, all appointments for elective dental treatments and preventive oral care – in other words, all non-urgent care – must be postponed to a later date,” reads the statement. “Patients requiring emergency treatment due to an infection, acute pain, or trauma and who, as a result, are in need of immediate care, are asked to contact their dentist by telephone to have the urgent nature of their condition evaluated.”
As needed, dentists can determine the best place and the best manner in which the care of a patient can be delivered safely and effectively.
The province’s guidelines throughout the dental industry will be re-assessed periodically as the coronavirus pandemic evolves.
“The entire community is mobilized in order to contain this pandemic, and health professionals, including those providing oral care, have the obligation to participate in this collective effort,” said Dr. Guy Lafrance, president of the Ordre des dentistes du Québec. “The goal of today’s guidelines is to ensure that the needs of the public are met, while reducing the risk of spreading the virus. It is our responsibility to do so, and we intend to rally all professionals and patients around these measures.”
Note: With coronavirus on the rise, Quebec Public Health is reminding individuals who attend events and large gatherings to monitor their health for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. And if you’re not feeling well, they recommend staying home at this time. Also, due to unexpected cancellations, please check the event you plan to attend is still taking place. Keep up with COVID-19 news here.