Here’s what to do if you think you have a dental emergency

If you’re having a dental emergency, please call, email or message your dentist.  You will be asked questions about your emergency, which will also include COVID-19 screening protocol questions.  Your dentist will consider your situation and will provide advice about how to proceed.  If an office visit is required, an appointment will be set up for you.  Do not visit a hospital emergency room for dental concerns at this time.

Is it safe to visit my dentist?

As dentists we need to consider both our patients and our community’s best interests when it comes to providing dental care.  All our clinics (and all Ontario dentists) are following the recommendations of the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) and the Chief Medical Officer of Health regarding re-opening our offices to provide patient care.

Here’s how we’re doing our part to keep patients and communities safe by managing the risk of infection during in-office dental care.

Preventing infection

• Infection prevention and control are the top priority for safe dental care. This has always been the case but has become especially important during the ongoing pandemic.
• Any dental office providing treatment must meet the RCDSO Standard on Infection and Control.
• Online, video or phone triage is recommended to determine if patients require an in-office visit.

Sterilization prevents infection

• All dental clinics must ensure the office and operational equipment is cleaned and disinfected between every patient visit.
• There are no magazines, toys, or non-essential items to be provided in the waiting or reception areas.
• All patients, dentists and staff must clean and disinfect their hands frequently. This means when entering or exiting the office, before and after seeing patients, after removing PPE or after touching high contact surfaces such as a door handle.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for dentists

• All dentists and staff coming into contact with patients should wear personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves, protective eyewear and protective clothing that can be changed for each new patient.
• If a dental clinic is not able to fully meet the RCDSO PPE requirements, then patient appointments must be referred to anther clinic.

Screening of patients

• Before patients are provided in-person appointments, they must answer screening questions regarding symptoms of COVID-19.
• All patients are required to wear a mask inside the dental office at all times, except during treatment.
• Patients without a mask will be provided one.

Hygiene protocols

• All patients will be required to clean their hands using a 70-90% alcohol-based hand sanitizer or wash their hands with soap and water upon entering the dental office.
• All patients will be asked to clean their hands with a 70-90% alcohol-based sanitizer before leaving the dental office.
• Before and after each patient visit, your dentist and oral health staff must wash their hands with soap and water.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of COVID-19

• Use this Ministry of Health self-assessment link to determine if you’re at risk.
• Contact your dental office to reschedule your appointment if you are feeling any related symptoms.
• Contact your doctor.
• Phone Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-797-0000
• Self isolate for 14 days unless told to do otherwise by a medical professional.
• Patients should let their dental office know if they experience COVID-19 symptoms within 14 days after visiting for their dental appointment.

Can your dentist prescribe medication over the phone?

To reduce in-office appointments, your dentist may be able to prescribe medications over the phone at their professional discretion.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected us all and has made visiting our Martindale Dental clinics more difficult.  We are doing everything in our power to help patients who are experiencing dental issues while ensuring that everyone stays safe.  For more information about how to make an appointment at one of our clinic locations, please visit our website and fill out the contact form, use the Live Chat feature or give our office a call.