A common question asked, is, “Is it safe to visit the dentist during the Covid-19 pandemic?”
Our team at Willow Dental Care are working hard to keep our patients and the team safe. Lockdown restrictions have been lifted and the Australian Dental Associations supports the return to dental care. With the virus still in the community, we carry the weight of responsibility of maintaining safety and wellbeing for any patient, of any age or health status, as during treatment they are without their protective mask. In accordance with guidelines we will be pre-screening our patients prior to their appointment and are grateful for your patience and understanding with this process.
Your health and wellbeing is a priority and we are taking all precautions to keep our practice safe and clean from the first patient of the day through to the last. The Willow Dental Care commitment to your protection goes beyond other practices. The difference our patients appreciate about our strategy include:
- all staff are fully vaccinated
- screening for close/casual contact risks prior to appointments
- a change of our outer PPE gowns for every household or patient
- change of barriers for every patient
- thorough wiping down of the entire treatment room and
- meticulous sterilisation of any item that is re-usable and disposal of single use items.
We are often asked if we need to see proof of vaccination. As an essential service we are not able to ask for proof of vaccination. We treat patients of all ages, some ineligible for vaccination and while we are encouraged by the high vaccination rate in the Hills District, and grateful to our patients who share this information with us, vaccinated people can be asymptomatic yet still carry and transmit the virus.
These standard Covid safe measures are in place to ensure the safety of all our patients and staff:
- Any patients at risk or who are unwell are asked to postpone treatment and are supported with oral health advice where appropriate.
- Staff and patients practice social distancing
- QR code check in upon arrival for all staff and patients
- Masks are required for all staff and patients
- Providing hand sanitiser for use upon entry
- Temperature check upon arrival
- High touch areas are cleaned frequently throughout the day
- Scrupulous infection control practices and use of PPE and hand hygiene practices for all staff.
Please Note: At Willow Dental Care we are committed to providing comprehensive dental care to all our patients regardless of immunisation status. However, for the safety of all our patients and staff, patients who are not double vaccinated at the time of their visit will be requested to provide evidence of a negative COVID test prior to their appointment.
Please ring our friendly reception team if you have any questions on 8610 6697.