Breaking the chain of infection

Our clinics use routine practices to help break the chain of infection. This includes personal protective equipment (PPE), aseptic techniques, cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, proper hand hygiene, risk assessments, screenings, environmental controls, administrative controls, and immunization. All patients are always assumed to be potentially infectious, even if they display no symptoms.

To help break the chain of infection all reception areas are equipped with:

• Alcohol-based hand rub
• Tissues
• Disposable masks
• Patient safety & etiquette posters

Patient & Staff Screening/Assessment

To minimize the risk to our patients and staff, all patients will be screened according to current Public Health guidelines. Patients will be screened before the appointment, upon arrival in the clinic, and in the operatory. Staff members will be screened daily before reporting to work.

Personal Protective Equipment

You will notice that many of the staff members in the clinic will be wearing increased PPE. Patients will be asked to wear a mask when entering the clinic and masks will be provided to patients who do not have one of their own. PPE in a dental clinic can include but is not limited to: gloves, eye protection, masks, gowns, and protective draping. Appropriate PPE will be selected for each procedure and according to guidelines and regulations created by Dental Regulatory Colleges and Public Health.

Patient Waiting Rooms

All non-essential items such as magazines, newspapers, and children’s toys will be removed from waiting rooms. Coffee and water service will be suspended. Waiting rooms will be closed at some locations and patients will be asked to wait outside the clinic until they are called for their appointment.

Physical Distancing

Physical Distancing will be in effect in all clinics to help maintain a 6 foot (2 metre) distance between all people. Signage and floor decals will direct you while in the clinic.

Equipment Sanitation

Clinics are sanitized daily before the beginning of the work day, in between patient appointments in the operatory and before the end of day.

All equipment used to clean, disinfect, or sterilize meet the standards established by Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Canadian Standards Association, and any local IPAC guidelines. Clinics maintain the manufacturer’s instruction for equipment use and undergo regular inspection and preventative maintenance and logs.

For more information on Infection Prevention and Control, please view our full IPAC guidelines. You can contact our dental office to find more about the changes at your next appointment.

What to expect at your dental appointment during COVID-19

What to expect before you visit:

• Patients will be screened via phone call before the appointment about current health and dental concerns
• Patients will be asked to sign a patient consent form, as well as other necessary paperwork prior to their appointment
• Upon arrival, patients will be asked to practice social distancing and wait for a staff to provide screening. Some patients will be asked to wait outside the clinic until they are called for their appointment
• Temperature will be taken before entry at the clinic and patients are required to wear a face mask/ face covering and perform proper hand hygiene. The clinic will provide face masks for patients who do not have one of their own
• Only the patient, unless a minor or a guardian is required, is allowed to enter the clinic. If someone is accompanying the patient, they are required to be screened, have their temperature taken, wear a mask and perform proper hand hygiene

What to expect during your visit:

• The Waiting/Reception area will be closed to avoid crowding and allow for proper social distancing. We will no longer offer magazines, newspapers and toys, as well as coffee, tea, and water. Social distancing signage will direct you while in the clinic
• You will be asked to rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash before beginning of your care to reduce the amount of bacteria and virus residing in the mouth
• All our staff will be wearing appropriate PPE including gowns, gloves, masks, eye protection, face shields, and protective draping for your safety and for our staff
• Contact-less transaction is encouraged to limit social contact

Dentist Online

We offer remote dental care that will allow you to see a dentist from the comfort of your home. You will be able to receive dental care where possible and appropriate from one of our expert dentists. We provide virtual care for patients in Saskatchewan, Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, BC, and Quebec.

For more information, visit https://dentistonline.ca/.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to visit the dentist?

• Our clinics follow strict infection prevention and control protocols outlined by dental governing bodies and the public health. We have added additional measures so we can provide you with the safest care possible. Increased training and education are provided for our staff about proper hand hygiene, proper procedures of dental equipment use and proper use of all personal protective equipment (PPE). Our priority is (and will always be) the safety of our patients.

How is your dental clinic adapting to the new changes?

• We have added additional measures so we can provide you with the safest care possible. View patient safety information here.

What will be different at the clinic?

• Appointments will be limited and staggered to avoid crowding and allow for proper social distancing
• Your temperature will be taken prior to entry to the clinic
• Some of our clinic’s waiting area will be closed. Magazines, newspapers, and children’s toys will no longer be displayed. Coffee and water service will also be suspended
• Physical distancing signage will be displayed to help everyone maintain a 6-feet (2 meter) distance
• Alcohol-based hand rubs will be available in every treatment area
• Only the patient, unless a minor or a guardian is required, is allowed to enter the clinic
• You will be asked to rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash before beginning of your care to reduce the amount of bacteria and virus residing in the mouth
• Contact-less transaction is encouraged to limit social contact

Is a face mask/face covering required?

• Yes, a face mask/face covering is required before you can enter the clinic. The clinic will provide you with a face mask if you do not have one.

Are staff provided with appropriate PPE?

• Yes, staff will be wearing more protective gear than usual including gowns, gloves, masks, eye protection, face shields, and protective draping to ensure your safety and theirs.

Are staff being monitored for COVID-19 symptoms?

• Yes, staff will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms daily before reporting to work.

Is your clinic practicing physical distancing?

• Yes, physical distancing is in effect in all of our clinics. Signages are displayed to help everyone maintain a 6-feet (2 meter) distance.

I have an appointment but I am experiencing flu-like symptoms.

• If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, please reschedule your appointment.
• If you are having difficulty breathing or experiencing severe symptoms, call 911 immediately.

I just had an appointment and I am now experiencing flu-like symptoms.

• If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms within 14 days of your appointment, please call your dental clinic immediately. You may have been carrying the virus prior to your symptoms and risk infecting anyone who came into contact with you.

Can I book same-day or emergency appointments?

• If you need urgent or emergency care, please contact our dental office. We will be able to provide further guidance and help you find an appointment time.

What is a dental emergency?

• A dental emergency is a potential life-threatening condition that requires immediate treatment. This includes:
  -An injury to the mouth and face
  -Severe infection
  -Bleeding that continues for a long time
  -Severe dental pain that can’t be managed by over-the-counter medication like Tylenol or Advil

Are you booking hygiene appointments right now?

• Please contact our dental office to confirm current availability.

Do I need to keep going to the dentist?

• Yes, it is vitally important to maintain proper oral health care by visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and hygiene appointments. Oral health directly relates to many diseases associated in our body and the mouth is the first passageway to bacteria and viruses.