THUNDER BAY - After only being open to emergency procedures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, dentists across Ontario can now provide non-emergency services but local offices are advising people to be patient as there will be a backlog in appointments.
On Monday, dental officers were permitted to start offering non-essential care and must adhere to strict workplace guidelines to keep patients and staff safe.
“This means that at your next dental visit there might be enhanced screening that will take place on the phone before your appointment and again when you arrive at the office,” said Jammie Tosevski, president of Thunder Bay Dental Association and pediatric dentist with Harbour House Children Dental Care.
“There will be scheduling changes. We have to limit the number of patients in the office and in the waiting room to allow for physical distancing.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, dentists were permitted to provide emergency care. On May 23, that was expanded to certain non-elective procedures. But now that all services can resume, Tosevski said patients should expect a backlog when booking an appointment.
“Dentists will be prioritizing their patients because there is a 12-week backlog,” she said. “So some patients are in greater need so there still may be wait times for appointments and we are asking for the public’s patience and understanding.”
Dental offices will also look a little different in order to allow for proper social distancing and to protect staff and patients.
Dentist Ahmed Ameensaid when COVID-19 restrictions were first put in place, he donated all his personal protective equipment to frontline healthcare workers and it was a challenge restocking those supplies when they were permitted to start seeing patients for emergency care.
“It was super hard to really get them,” he said. “We tried to do our best to insure we have enough and proper PPE before we start seeing those emergency patients.”
Ameen’s office, which was originally an open concept design, has since been changed as well and all staff will be wearing additional PPE. All dental care will also be provided now that restrictions have been lifted.
“Any cavities, non-symptomatic cavities, any preventative work like hygiene was considered non-essential,” Ameen said. “In stage one and two we were not allowed to do them. But as of yesterday everything goes back to normal. As long as we have the proper PPE and policy in place and our office design and structure is ready.”
