BEDFORD, NS, June 4, 2020 /CNW/ - Starting tomorrow, June 5^th, dental offices across Nova Scotia will be reopening for patient treatment.

Although dental offices may reopen, not all dental procedures will be immediately allowed.

"Types of treatment available effective tomorrow include treatment for dental pain caused by infections, chipped or broken teeth and broken fillings, as well as treatment for dental emergencies," stated Dr. Martin Gillis, Registrar of the Provincial Dental Board of Nova Scotia.

"Effective June 19^th dental offices will be able to fully reopen for all dental procedures," continued Dr. Gillis.   

Patients will notice some differences when they next visit their dentist.  To prepare for reopening, the Board has developed a COVID-19 Reopening Plan for Dental Clinics, which was developed by a working group of dental experts and is based on the best available science.  Dentists must comply with the requirements in this Plan.

"Prior to treatment patients will be subject to strict screening protocols to ensure they do not have COVID-19 symptoms and risk factors," stated Dr. Gillis.  Dental offices will also look different.  "Dentists will have to ensure social distancing protocols are respected in their waiting rooms, and all offices will have to follow enhanced infection controls," continued Dr. Gillis. 

Depending on the procedure patients may also notice that dental office personnel will be wearing additional PPE.  Additional PPE could include lab coats, goggles, face shields or masks, depending on the procedure. Front office personnel will have masks or there will be a transparent barrier at the reception. 

"The past twelve weeks of limited access to dental care has been extremely difficult for both patients and oral health care providers," stated Dr. Gillis.  "I want to thank all Nova Scotians for their understanding and all oral health providers for their professionalism during these unprecedented times," concluded Dr. Gillis.

SOURCE Provincial Dental Board of Nova Scotia

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