Covid 19 Update

What does the lockdown extension mean to your dental health?

In response to the levels of community transmission of coronavirus in Victoria, the Victorian Government has announced an extension of the existing lockdown. This means that Melbourne is set to be locked down until Thursday the 2nd of September. In response, Maidstone dental is determined to do its best to provide our patients with the best dental care, whilst following government restrictions.

Dental restrictions

For now, dental practitioners in metropolitan Melbourne are still only permitted to provide dental services to patients with urgent needs. However, we want to reassure you, that if you are in pain or in need of dental care, please contact us.

In a broader context of the community lockdown, these dental restrictions are intended to minimise the movement of people in the community to prevent virus transmission. Yet, the cumulative impact of lockdowns has had a detrimental effect on oral health.  

Therefore, at Maidstone Dental, we conduct a risk assessment based on the circumstances of each patient. This is something that we can only do knowing the individual history and circumstances of each of our patients and if you let us know something is wrong. The risk assessment will allow us to determine whether the treatment can be deferred or whether deferring treatment would lead to an adverse outcome.  

Some things we would consider when determining whether dental treatments meet the “adverse outcomes” requirement are:  

• Whether deferring treatment will result in significant complications such as pain, infection, loss of the tooth or function, or the significant progression of diseases

 • Whether the condition is temporarily managed with minimal intervention – for example, pharmacologically.

• When you would be able to receive treatment if it is deferred – taking into account available appointments and lockdown restrictions

• Whether it is possible to defer the specific treatment required  

 At Maidstone Dental, we want you to clearly understand the regulations as well as be aware that sometimes some treatments should not be deferred. Based on your previous history and personal circumstance, we are allowed to make an assessment to determine if your treatment is required immediately or if it can be postponed. So, if you are experiencing any pain, swelling or trauma,please do not hesitate to contact us. We will do our best to provide you with the best solution for your circumstance.

Contact us on 03 9317 5636