Important information about changes to operational restrictions
We would like to thank all of our patients for their understanding during the period of Level 3 restrictions on dental practices. We have been genuinely touched by everyone’s kind words and messages of support during these challenging times. We understand that Level 3 restrictions have not been ideal for our patients, as many things have not been ideal this year. The COVID-19 pandemic has created challenging times for everyone,and we know that many of you have been deeply affected in your work and personal lives too.
Throughout the COVID-19 induced period of fluctuating restrictions on the practice of dentistry, Medland Dental has remained fully open for our patients – even though the services we have been able to provide has been very limited.
Our concern throughout this time has always been to ensure that our patients have had continuity of care and that we have been able to provide special care and advice for those facing a dental emergency or concern.
From next Monday, 27 April, the government has eased restrictions on dental practices so that only Level 2 restrictions will apply.
Having not closed at all, Medland Dental is in a position to immediately respond and offer the much more comprehensive range of services allowed under Level 2. Easing to Level 2 restrictions, unfortunately, does not mean that operations return to normal, however in addition to managing emergencies and concerns, and through the use of additional precautions to minimise aerosols, we can return to looking after:
- diagnostic appointments like examinations and xrays
- preventive procedures like fluoride, splints and mouthguards
- fillings
- simple extractions
- management of gum disease with hand instruments only
- dentures
Under Level 2 restrictions we will still need to defer crowns, bridges and implants until restrictions are eased further.
Many of you are on our priority lists of appointments for treatment that had to be deferred under Level 3 restrictions. We will be in contact with you as soon as possible to secure appointment times for treatment able to be completed safely under Level 2 restrictions.
The easing of restrictions on dental treatment is a balance between maintaining a safe environment for our patients, staff and the community; and ensuring that our patients dental needs are being cared for and essential health services managed over what may been an extended time of restrictions to limit COVID-19 in Australia.
We do not have a time frame for further changing of restrictions – either easing or increasing of dental restrictions. Community restrictions, in general, will be very dependent on how we, as a community, are managing COVID-19. But we are closely following the advice of the Australian Dental Association and relevant government authorities and will keep you informed.
As mentioned in our previous emails, Medland Dental remains committed as always, to providing a safe environment for our patients and staff. We will continue to:
- Maintain the highest level of infection control procedures and environmental cleaning. As an Accredited Dental practice, we must meet the strict National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards, or for some time now, have chosen to exceed some of these standards, particularly regarding infection control.
- Follow all protocols from Queensland Health and the Australian Dental Association and monitor the advice for any changes daily.
- Carefully screen our patients and staff for COVID-19 risk factors.
- Manage our scheduling and flow of patients to protect those most at risk.
- Temperature screen: Staff are tested daily for the early signs of fever. All patients are temperature tested on arrival at their appointment. All other visitors to the practice are temperature tested on arrival.
- Kindly ask you to use our hand sanitiser as you enter the building, and please also take advantage of the hand sanitiser located at our reception desks, waiting room and lounges.
- Ensure that appropriate social distancing occurs in our waiting room and our patient lounges.
- Temporarily remove magazines and newspapers, and the iPads will continue to be disinfected after each use.
- Kindly ask you to undertake a short antimicrobial rinse before your procedure
- Kindly ask that all payments be made via card (ideally contactless). We will not be accepting cash payments at this time.
Thank you again for your support and understanding over this time. We are, by nature, a team that has always been committed to providing a high level of care and compassion to our patients, and not being able to look after you, in the way that we would like, has been difficult, and not being able to catch up with you as regularly as usual has been challenging. However, Medland Dental’s great strength has always been that it is not just a business – it is about people and relationships. We look forward to seeing you soon and looking after you in that very special Medland Way.
Stay well, look after yourself and each other.
Warmest wishes,
Dr Fiona Lillicrap and Dr Sarah Kam
