The global spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has changed many aspects of our everyday lives, including how dental care is provided. At Peninsula Dental Care, we are committed to the health and safety of all of our patients and staff members. In line with level three restrictions as required by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee.
We are open as usual!
We want to assure you that our priority remains the safety and well-being of our patients and the community. In line with this commitment, we’re continuing to implement a number of safety measures to help minimise any risk of COVID-19 exposure within the practice.
Some of the safety measures implemented to help minimise any risk of COVID-19:
- Standard infection control procedures to reduce the spread of any infection;
- The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for all treatments such as standard level 2 surgical masks, protective eyewear and gloves;
- Strengthening our cleaning procedures, including actively promoting the regular use of antibacterial hand sanitiser and surface wipes;
- Reminding our staff of personal hygiene measures and our Infectious Diseases Policy.
- All staff have completed COVID-19 infection control training provided by the Australian Government Department of Health.
- Screening all our patients on the telephone prior to their arrival.
- On arrival a declaration form is to be completed confirming you have no flu like symptoms.
- Touch-free temperature checks for our staff and patients on arrival.
- Front door open, hand sanitizer available on arrival and social distancing in place in the waiting room.
- Antiseptic Mouth & Throat rinse for all patients prior to commencement of treatment.
We are continually getting updates from ADA, APHRA and Bupa as the national and global situation changes. We can assure you our goal is to keep all our staff and patients safe. If you have any concerns, we are happy for you to call our friendly team.
How can you help us?
If you require dental treatment, you must inform us if:
- You have traveled within the last 14 days
- You have come into close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19
- You have symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, vomiting or diarrhoea
If possible, come to your dental appointment alone or minimise the people you need to bring with you.
Please use hand sanitiser or wash your hands in the bathroom when you arrive at the dental practice.
If you arrive early to your appointment, please wait in your car and call reception on (03) 5981 2255 to inform them of your arrival.
Pay with card instead of cash where possible.
Why are these restrictions in place?
When a dentist works on your teeth, they produce droplets of water mixed with saliva and blood in the air. Dentists wear protective equipment such as surgical masks and gloves which is usually sufficient to protect against normal respiratory and blood-borne diseases. The dental chair is also thoroughly wiped in between patients.
However, with COVID-19, it appears there is an increased risk of the virus being carried in these aerosols and potentially infecting staff or other patients despite our normal rigorous infection control protocols and protective equipment.
COVID-19 has been shown to be infectious despite the infectious individual being asymptomatic, meaning a person can spread the virus even if they feel perfectly well.
