Important Message from the Provincial Dental Board of Nova Scotia to All Registrants, March 15 2020

To assist Dentists and Registered Dental Assistants in keeping current with the COVID-19 outbreak, the Provincial Dental Board will issue regular updates to its registrants during this rapidly evolving situation.

The following advisory provides information regarding the suspension of non-essential and elective dental services and travel-protocols.

Suspension of non-essential and elective dental services

The Provincial Dental Board strongly recommends that all non-essential and elective dental services should be suspended immediately. Emergency treatment should continue. This recommendation will be continuously monitored and stands until further notice.

There has been considerable concern over the past two days about keeping dental practices open while not putting patients, communities and staff at risk. Also, many health care providers in community settings have not been able to secure a reasonable supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) that would be required to actively treat COVID-19 cases. These factors, along with a spike in new cases and the call for effective social distancing, make it clear that action is required. The following link provides useful information on social distancing: https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/coronavirus-canada-social-distancing-1.5497789

Travel Protocols

On March 13, 2020, Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s Chief Medical Officer, and Premier Stephen McNeil announced new travel protocols to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the province.

The directive stated that all public sector employees are required to self-isolate for 14 days when they get back to Canada. This includes health care workers, teachers, civil servants and other public sector employees.

Private sector health care workers must also follow this directive. This means that any Dentist, Registered Dental Assistant, or other Staff Member who has travelled outside of Canada must self-isolate for 14 days after returning to the country.

To appropriately self-isolate:

• Avoid close contact with people with chronic conditions, compromised immune systems and older adults.
• Don’t have visitors to your home.
• Avoid situations like social gatherings, work, school, daycare, or visiting other people who are in a health care facility or long-term care residence.
• Limit taking public transit, taxis and ride sharing.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover your mouth and nose with your arm when coughing or sneezing.

Provincial Dental Board of Nova Scotia
103, 210 Waterfront Drive
Bedford, NS  B4A 0H3