Ontario allows dentists, massage therapists, and other health providers to reopen
The Ontario government is allowing more than two dozen healthcare providers, including dentists and massage therapists, to gradually reopen, once health and safety guidelines are in place.
Hayley Chazan, senior manager of media relations for Health Minister Christine Elliot, told Daily Hive that Ontario amended a directive on Wednesday to support the gradual restart of all deferred and non-essential and elective services, including in hospitals and for all regulated health professionals.
The list of healthcare providers includes chiropractors, dentists, dietitians, homeopaths, massage therapists, midwives, occupational therapists, podiatrists, and psychologists.
But it’s important to note that this does not mean that all health services will be available.
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Rather, health regulatory colleges are now in the process of developing guidance to ensure high-quality and safe clinical care that must be met before services can resume.
“Colleges will also provide advice on which services can and should be, or continue to be, provided virtually,” Chazan said.
The Ministry of Health has also developed Operational Requirements for the Health Sector — a guidance document for the sector to ensure safe operations before reopening.
Areas of focus include risk assessments, application of the hierarchy of hazards controls, staffing, supplies and equipment and other preconditions that must also be met before services can resume.
The order will also allow hospitals to continue to develop and finalize plans to resume scheduled surgeries.
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