Important information for our patients - keeping your visit
A COVID-19 update from Dr Alex 7th August 2020
As Victoria's cases of corona virus continues to fluctuate, we wanted to reach out and let you know what precautions we are taking in the clinic to protect our patients, clinicians and staff. The dental industry has now moved to Level 3 restrictions. This means we can continue to treat patients who need urgent and emergency care.
We take the safety of our patients and team very seriously and as such,
>We remind you that we are maintaining social distancing within the clinic and are allowing a maximum of two patients in the waiting area at a time. Please let us know if you intend to come with your family members and we will advise you accordingly. Where it is possible, we recommend attending your appointment alone.
>We ask that you call us from outside of the clinic (9571 6667) when you have arrived for your appointment. Our reception team will let you know if there is room for you in the waiting room otherwise we ask that you wait in our outdoor courtyard or in your car if you are parked close by. Our reception team will call and invite you into the clinic when your surgery room has been prepared.
>We ask that you do not wait in walkways inside of the clinic.
> Please ensure that you use the hand sanitiser upon arrival and post treatment and, please wear your masks in the waiting room of the clinic. If you need a mask, please let us know and we will be happy to provide you with one.
> We appreciate your understanding and patience while we do a health screening with you upon arrival and take your temperature.
>Staff will have their temperatures taken upon arrival for their shift. Staff are also trained and skilled in the the highest levels of infection control in line with our status as an independently accredited practice.
> We ask that you have an antibacterial pre-rinse before starting your treatment. One of our dental assistants will provide you with an antibacterial mouth rinse upon arrival in to the surgery room.
>We recommend that you download and activate the COVID SAFE app on your mobile.
As always, patients who need urgent and emergency treatment will always be treated on the day. please make sure you let our reception staff know if you are in need of urgent treatment.
Dr Alex and the whole team at DentalCare Carnegie are thinking of you all during this time and will continue to provide care to the community to the best of our ability.
We wish you all continued good health,
Dr Alex and the team @ DentalCare Carnegie
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to visit the dentist?
DentalCare Carnegie, dental practitioners are using the highest infection control standards. The safety of our patients and teams is top priority.
Dentists are now at ‘Level 3’ restrictions; This means we are now able to treat patient who are in need of urgent and emergency treatment, We will continue to screen all patients to ensure we treat patient who do not meet epidemiological or clinical risk factors for COVID-19 infection transmission.
Can I see my DentalCare Carnegie dentist in an emergency?
Yes, we continue our commitment for same day emergency treatment. Our dedicated team will continue to go out of our way to treat patients to the highest standards and ensure no one is left in pain. If you’re not sure whether you have a dental emergency it’s best to Call DentalCare Carnegie on (03) 9571 6667
What is a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is a situation that requires immediate treatment. It may involve conditions that cause severe pain, infection or directly affect your health. This can include:
- Severe dental pain that is affecting your sleep and/or does not subside with use of pain-relief medications.
- Tooth fracture where the nerve inside the tooth becomes exposed (which may or may not include bleeding).
- Ulcers present in the mouth for 3 weeks or longer.
- Wire or bracket fractures in orthodontic patients.
- Swelling affecting your mouth, face and/or neck.
- Difficulty opening your mouth, swallowing or breathing (unrelated to COVID-19).
- Damage to your mouth or jaw following an accident or injury causing loss of a tooth or teeth being moved from their original position in the mouth.
- Uncontrolled bleeding post-oral surgery.
- Patients referred by a doctor for medically necessary dental care or for urgent dental care prior to surgery that cannot be delayed.
- Treatment of a dental condition that can directly affect your health, for example, remove of an oral cancer lesion from inside the mouth.
What should I expect if I do see a DentalCare Carnegie Dentist?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, additional steps are being made to stop the spread of the virus. You might see an empty waiting room and be asked to wash your hands or use hand sanitiser as you enter the practice. Your dentist will ask you to do a mouthwash prior to treatment and will likely use a ‘rubber dam’ to perform any emergency treatment if it is required. All of these measures are designed to minimise any risk to you and to the practice team.
Can I be treated for a dental emergency if I have COVID-19?
- If you need urgent dental care and think you may have COVID-19, it’s important first to Call DentalCare Carnegie on (03) 9571 6667 and discuss your situation.
- If you have a dental emergency and have been diagnosed with COVID-19, dental treatment arrangement is only available as an in-patient or within a hospital setting by appropriately trained and credentialed dental personnel.
