SA Dental Service further easing of restrictions

South Australians will be able to access all dental treatments through SA Dental Service with restrictions now eased in response to National and State advice.

SA Dental Service Acting Executive Director, Anne Pak-Poy, said the move to Level 1 will follow a slow and staged approach to ensure staff and patient safety.

“Level 2 service restrictions have only been in place for our clinics since 4 May, with limited dental services and emergency dental care for children and adults,” Ms Pak-Poy said.

“We have slowly introduced a limited number of procedures as part of the Level 2 service restrictions including the introduction of examinations, simple fillings and extractions, and tooth cleaning with hand instruments.”

The introduction of Level 1 service restrictions means clinics will be able to extend services to all other dental treatments including those involving high-speed and surgical handpieces.

Clients will continue to be screened for risk, and triaged according to their dental needs and appointment times are being adjusted to ensure safety measures such as social distancing can be followed.

SA Dental is contacting clients and rescheduling appointments for those who had their treatment deferred due to the COVID-19 measures, including people with urgent treatment needs.

“It is important that our clients understand that we aren’t yet returning to business as usual, but we are heading in the right direction,” Ms Pak-Poy said.

“We would like to thank our clients for their continued patience and understanding during this unprecedented time.

“It is also important for our community to maintain good oral hygiene practices at home to protect their teeth, by brushing teeth and gums morning and night with fluoride toothpaste, spitting out toothpaste, rather than rinsing, eating less sugar and drinking plain tap water.”

SA Dental Service announced the re-opening of about 20 smaller dental clinics on 27 April, consistent with the National and private dental sector approach.

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