As our nation moves to ease social restrictions today and goes forward in the coming weeks and months with the government’s 3-STEP FRAMEWORK FOR A COVID SAFE AUSTRALIA, the Dental Board of Australia announced a move to Level 1 Dental Restrictions following the May 7 recommendation of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC).

In a nutshell, we stepped from Level 3 to Level 1 in a matter of about six weeks, as the restrictions are in response to the challenges COVID-19 presents. The AHPPC agreed at its meeting on 7 May that ‘moving dental practice to level 1 restrictions was appropriate in the current epidemiology and with the restoration of supply of surgical masks’.

In response to this, we at New Leaf Dentists are easing back into Level 1 while continuing to adhere to strict infection prevention and control precautions guidance from the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC).

What does Level 1 Mean?

This means we can provide all dental treatments using standard precautions for people who do not meet epidemiological or clinical risk factors for COVID-19 infection transmission.

Where there are patients who DO meet epidemiological or clinical symptom criteria for COVID-19 risk, we are to defer non-urgent treatment.

Level 1 basically means that we must continue to screen patients and only treat those who do not meet the epidemiological and clinical risk factors for COVID-19. It is imperative that we continue to be vigilant in the application of Level 1 restrictions and ensure the safety of our patients, our dental team, and consequently, their families.

Where a risk is identified, the appointment will be deferred to a later date where symptoms or the risks no longer present themselves.

I hope this helps you in understanding where we are at in the current COVID-19 environment. As for our practice here in Erina, Central Coast, we have opened all of our days back but with reduced hours in the month of May. All our dentists are back on board to see our patients again, and hopefully build up our capacity in the weeks and months ahead. All our additional health and safety measures as discussed in previous blog posts remain in place and will continue to do what we can to ensure a safe environment for our patients, visitors and our dedicated New Leaf Dentists team.

Stay safe and we hope to see you soon!

Sincerely,

Dr Rouel Vergara DMD