COVID-19 - Elective treatments to resume in dental clinics: Additional measures to ensure the safety of patients and professionals

MONTREAL, May 20, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - The Ordre des dentistes du Québec is thrilled with the announcement made today by the Minister of Labour, Jean Boulet, and the Minister of Health and Social Services, Danielle McCann, allowing dentists to resume, as of June 1, 2020, non-urgent, elective treatments in dental clinics across Quebec.

After 10 weeks during which dentists were authorized to treat only dental emergencies due to the lockdown, it is now crucial to take care of the oral health of Quebecers. What was not an emergency yesterday became one today, making it the perfect time to resume elective treatments. It should be pointed out that oral health has repercussions on overall health and neglecting it can have detrimental effects in the short, medium or long term.

The Order would also like to reassure the public on the significant expertise dentists possess regarding the application of the strictest sterilization and hygiene standards. In addition, a protocol on dental care in the context of a pandemic has been established and will ensure that Quebecers have access to dental care in a completely safe environment for themselves and members of dental teams.

In this regard, the Order would like to commend the tremendous cooperation of the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux and of public health authorities and workplace health and safety representatives, which will ensure the safe reopening of dental clinics for patients, dentists and their staff. This cooperation will also be essential to monitor the deconfinement and to adapt to needs should they arise.

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"For almost 10 weeks now, we have had to limit Quebecers' access to oral care. Though they could receive treatment in cases of emergency, they are now looking forward to seeing their dentists to pursue treatments started before the pandemic, to receive care for issues that have become urgent during the pandemic or simply to access preventive care in support of good oral health."

Guy Lafrance, President, Ordre des dentistes du Québec.

About the Ordre des dentistes du Québec
The Ordre des dentistes du Québec represents over 5,430 dentists. Its mission is to ensure the quality of dental services by maintaining high professional and ethical standards, and to promote oral health among Quebecers.

SOURCE Ordre des dentistes du Québec