DENTAL LEVEL 2

SERVICES VSD CAN PROVIDE IN LEVEL 2

• Examinations
• Simple non-invasive fillings.
• Restorative (fillings/crowns) procedures using high speed handpieces only provided with the use of rubber dam
• Non-surgical extractions
• Medical management of soft tissue presentations (such as ulcers)
• Clenching and Jaw pain
• Denture procedures
• Preventative procedures such as the application of topical remineralising agents e.g. fluoride
• Orthodontic treatment

Some services remain restricted. The service restrictions relate to the procedures which pose the greatest risk to spreading the virus.

• HAND SCALING ONLY (no use of ultrasonic scalers)

TREATMENT TO DEFER IN LEVEL 2

• Defer all non-urgent treatments that are likely to generate aerosols which may include the use of high-speed handpieces without the use of rubber dam, ultrasonic scalers & surgical handpieces.
• Elective implant dental treatment should be delayed. Defer dental treatment for confirmed, probable or suspected cases of COVID-19 where alternative management options (such as antibiotics or pain control) are appropriate until recovered and released from isolation.
• Urgent treatment for probable or suspected cases of COVID-19 should be provided under transmission- based precautions, including the use of a fit checked P2 respirator. Please refer to the ADA Level 2 Decision Tree document. Patients confirmed as COVID-19 positive, should NOT be treated in office based practice as full airborne precautions are required.

DENTAL LEVEL 3

SERVICES VSD CAN PROVIDE IN LEVEL 3

1. Treatment that does not generate aerosols such as

• Dental examinations without the use of a triplex
• The use of hand instruments only for periodontal infection
• Extractions
• Analgesics or antimicrobials
• Soft tissue pathology e.g. ulcers

2. Treatment where generating aerosols is limited to aid the management of:

• Acute dental pain by endodontic treatment or restorative treatment of extensive carious lesions under dental dam
• Significantly damaged upper front teeth e.g. due to trauma, with restorative treatment provided under dental dam
• Dental/oral health conditions at higher risk of negative outcomes if no access to timely intervention e.g. post
• Orthognathic surgery review, impacted third molars, impacted canines, loss of temporary crown
• Complex medically compromised patients with dental concerns which may compromise their systemic disease
• A higher risk of rapid progression of dental disease
• Medically necessary dental care on referral from a medical practitioner.

TREATMENT TO DEFER IN LEVEL 3

• Defer all routine dental treatment not meeting the criteria above.
• Defer dental treatment for confirmed, probable or suspected cases of COVID-19 where alternative management options (such as antibiotics or pain control) are appropriate until recovered and released from isolation.
• Defer urgent treatment for probable or suspected cases of COVID-19 should be provided under transmission- based precautions, including the use of a fit checked P2 respirator.
• Patients confirmed as COVID-19 positive, should NOT be treated in office based practice as full airborne precautions are required.

DENTAL  LEVEL 4

SERVICES VSD CAN PROVIDE IN LEVEL 4

Emergency dental treatments that only include the following are to be managed:

• Swelling of the face, neck or mouth
• Dental trauma causing change in the position of teeth, soft tissue damage and/or significant pain - Significant bleeding
• Difficulty opening the jaw and/or swallowing
• Referral from a specialist medical practitioner for assessment or management of a patient receiving urgent medical care for medically necessary dental care
• Dental pain causing loss of sleep - Ulcers persisting for 3 + weeks

TREATMENT TO DEFER IN LEVEL 4

Defer all dental treatments for patients not fitting the risk categories identified above.

• Defer dental treatment for confirmed, probable or suspected cases of COVID-19 where alternative management options (such as antibiotics or pain control) are appropriate until recovered and released from isolation.
• Defer urgent treatment for probable or suspected cases of COVID-19 should be provided under transmission- based precautions, including the use of a fit checked P2 respirator. Patients confirmed as COVID-19 positive, should NOT be treated in office based practice as full airborne precautions are required.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR VSD

Vermont South Dental will be TEMPORARILY CLOSED .  During this time the phones will be answered at reduced office hours . If you have an appointment booked, we will be in contact with you soon to reschedule your appointment. If you have a dental concern outside of these hours, please call Dr Mark Oblak on 0412 044 561. You will be triaged and advised on how to proceed.