Our Response to Covid-19
At WestcoastSmile Dental and Cosmetic Studio we have always followed strict infection control standards. We have had in place all the extra recommended protocols to create the safest environment for our patient and team members. In addition to our new rules and protocols we have also added these extra safeguards so that we not only meet the guidelines we go beyond it as well.
1. Swiss med IQ Health pro air filters including a specialized aerosol unit
2. Each operatory is equipped with its own UVC air filter unit.
3. A central HVAC UVC filter that treats all air flowing through the HVAC system
WestcoastSmile Dental has been very happy to welcome back our patients current and new to the safest possible environment we can create. Please do your part to help keep you and our team members safe by filling out our COVID pre-assessment as soon as you receive it by email or text. If you have any concerns or questions please feel free to email or call us [email protected] or 6047371023.
On March 16, the College of Dental Surgeons of BC (CDSBC) strongly recommended that all elective and non-essential dental services be suspended to contain community spread of the virus.
On March 23, the Provincial Health Officer also confirmed that she issued a letter to all regulated health professionals outlining her expectations for their response in this acute phase of the pandemic. Together, these requirements mean that dentists are now only treating urgent dental emergencies in their offices.
To provide emergency dental treatment safely, dentists and their staff must also have the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which includes specially fitted masks, face shields, gowns, and gloves.
Due to the widespread shortage of PPE, patients with dental pain, swelling, infection or trauma must first be assessed by their local General Practice dentist over the phone. To reduce the risk of transmission, only the most urgent dental cases will be referred to an appropriately equipped dental clinic for treatment.
The BCDA and our members recognize that this is definitely not an optimal situation for patients, and look forward to resuming regular care protocols as soon as possible.
Message to Patients and the Public from Dr. Chris Hacker, Registrar/CEO of CDSBC (Originally posted March 25; Updated April 17)
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has provided her expectations for all health professionals to deliver the best and safest care during this evolving crisis. As with all health professionals, dental professionals are:
- expected to deliver emergent, urgent and essential care – and to use their best judgment and guidance from their regulator to make those decisions
- expected to maintain physical distancing of two metres
- encouraged to provide care via telephone and video technology
When direct physical contact is required, dental professionals must use infection control practices, including appropriate personal protective equipment.
“CDSBC recognizes that patients should receive necessary dental care in order for their own health and safety and also to lessen the burden on the hospital system. We have to assist dental professionals in their decision-making, and there is no expectation to provide treatment to patients unless it is safe to do so.
As the regulator for dentistry, our primary concern is that the public is being protected. Our role is to conduct a fair and transparent investigation of each complaint we receive, and to take timely and appropriate action in the event that patients and the public have been put at risk. Complaints are resolved under the direction of our Inquiry and Discipline Committees, both of which include members of the general public. In all cases complainants are informed of the outcome of our investigations.”
Dr. Chris Hacker
Registrar/CEO, CDSBC
Symptoms of the virus are similar to other illnesses, including the flu and common cold (cough, sneezing, fever, sore throat and difficulty breathing).
Anyone in B.C. who is concerned that they may have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, should contact their primary care provider, local public health office, or call 8-1-1.