Survey by the Ordre des dentistes du Québec on the reopening of dental clinics for routine care - The Order undertakes initiatives to support its members Français
MONTREAL, May 29, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - In recent days, the Ordre des dentistes du Québec has conducted a survey among its members to gain a clearer picture of the capacity of clinics to gradually resume elective treatments starting on June 1. More than 2,200 members responded. Results indicated that while two-thirds of dentists reported being ready to return to their normal activities, in whole or in part, one-third of them said they will not be at all ready to start welcoming patients on Monday.
The lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) (according to over eight in ten respondents) and government requirements on ventilation (mentioned by two in three respondents) account for members saying there are not or only partially ready to see patients. As a reminder, the requirements were implemented by government authorities to ensure the protection of all during the pandemic.
To address the above-mentioned issues and meet the support and information needs of dentists, the Order has undertaken several initiatives. To start, its consulting services have been made available to dentists to guide them on implementing the standards established by government authorities. Additionally, the Order is seeking to engage the services of ventilation experts, who will provide dentists with reliable information that will help them in their decision making. Furthermore, a working group composed of members of the oral health community and industry representatives was set up to ensure the ongoing monitoring of the situation with PPE to facilitate access to the equipment needed.
In addition, we received news today from distributors indicating the procurement of PPE should soon return to normal in Quebec. Since they should now have access to supplies, dentists and their staff should be able to gradually and safely offer dental services, which the Quebec population has a right to expect after the suspension of non-urgent treatments for more than 10 weeks.
Lastly, the Order has updated its portal, maboucheensante, where members of the general public can find detailed instructions on the measures involved in booking an appointment and visiting the dental office, as well as a summary of the changes they can expect on their next visit.
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"We are aware of the significant challenges faced by dentists in providing urgent and non-urgent dental work in a way that is safe for their patients, their teams and themselves. Consequently, the return to routine care will need to be gradual and, as such, we are counting on the understanding and cooperation of patients when they contact their dental clinic.
We also hope that the initiatives we have undertaken and the requests we have made to the government will facilitate the reopening of dental clinics, so that all Quebecers may once again be able to access the dental services they have a right to expect, after the suspension of non-urgent treatments for more than 10 weeks.
Dr. Guy Lafrance, President, Ordre des dentistes du Québec
To access the results of the survey, please click HERE
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
For information and interviews: André Lavoie, Director, Public Affairs and Communications, [email protected], 514 917-5198 (cell) / 514 875-8511, ext. 2232
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