Dentists may be providing non-emergency services regardless of COVID-19 health orders
Posted Apr 9, 2020 6:45 pm.
Last Updated Apr 9, 2020 6:53 pm.
CALGARY (660 NEWS) – The Alberta Dental Association and College say they have been hearing “alarming” reports of some dentists around the province providing services and procedures not covered under the emergency treatments.
A release from the ADA&C on April 7 said, “If accurate, these actions are not in compliance with the mandated suspension of all non-emergency dental services and procedures. This is alarming as it sacrifices the actions others have taken to save lives.”
“If the treatment and services you are providing do not fit into emergency treatments as described in the Guidelines on Emergency Treatment, STOP. Right now.”
The ADA&C warns if dentists are caught performing non-emergency procedures they will be investigated.
The suspension of all non-emergency dental treatments and procedures was issued on March 17 by the ADA&C. However, on April 8, the association revised its definition of emergency treatment.
The revision includes oral-facial trauma, significant infection, prolonged bleeding, pain which cannot be managed by over the counter medications, and management of known or high-risk malignancy.
