COVID-19 update: restrictions in Victoria move to second step

02 Oct 2020

The easing of restrictions in the greater Melbourne area is welcome news but all dental practitioners must continue to practise safely and exercise their professional judgement in assessing and managing the risks posed by COVID-19.

What does this mean for dental practitioners?

On Sunday 27 September, Victoria’s Premier announced for dental clinics the ‘recommencement of non-urgent services with a COVID Safe Plan in place’. The ‘second step’ restrictions for metropolitan Melbourne are outlined in a document released with the Premier's statement.

This means that from 28 September 2020, dental clinics can, as a permitted industry, resume non-urgent dental services with a COVID Safe Plan in place.

More information for practitioners

More information about how permitted workplaces can operate under current restrictions is available on the Department of Health and Human Service’s website.

While the recent drop in the daily number of reported COVID-19 cases in Victoria is encouraging, dental practitioners must remain vigilant as they have an important role in helping to contain the spread of COVID-19. This means continuing to take effective measures, such as appropriate patient screening, and meeting infection control obligations as outlined in the Board’s guidelines.

Dental practitioners must continue to take a risk-based approach to their clinical practice and consider local conditions to determine how to practise safely in their environment. It is important to continue maintaining high levels of professionalism and adhere to the Board’s Code of conduct.

All dental practitioners should consider the current risk environment and public safety when making decisions about the dental care they provide.

Other useful resources to help manage COVID-19 when providing non-urgent services include:

• Australian guidelines for the prevention and control of infection in healthcare (2019)
• Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare COVID-19 infection prevention and control risk-management – Guidance

Dental Practitioner Support is here for you

The Board recognises that the past few months have been difficult for dental practitioners and remind you that your health matters. If you need to talk to someone support is just a quick phone call away

An experienced team of counsellors is ready to take your call. It’s free and support is available 24/7. You do not have to give your name or other details and can seek support anonymously.

Access Dental Practitioner Support:

• 1800 377 700
• dpsupport.org

Information about general support services is available on the Ahpra website.

Dr Murray Thomas

Chair, Dental Board of Australia