IT MIGHT seem counter-intuitive to book a dental visit in the era of social distancing, but Ballarat dentists assure there is nothing to be scared about.
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In regional Victoria, excepting Mitchell Shire, dentists are operating under level one restrictions as directed by the Australian Dental Association.
This means dentists can undertake most procedures but with extra screening protocols in place, like: pre-appointment phone checks; patients who work in Melbourne are discouraged from coming in; and, pre-op mouth rinses are a requirement.
But dentists have long been fine-tuning their infection control practice.
Ballarat Dental Group dentist Han Han Chung-Nguyen said patients were increasingly more concerned with personal hygiene but most were far from wary about visiting the dentist, in a COVID-safe sense anyway.
People might still be scared about the dentist but they're not scared about the dentist when it comes to COVID protection.
- Dr Han Han Chung-Nguyen
"People might still be scared about the dentist but they're not scared about the dentist when it comes to COVID protection...People feel safe because we've always practised that," Dr Chung-Nguyen said.
"Dentists have the highest risk of heath professionals because we're so close to the face and spit and breathing. We have the best infection control standards and have always practised precautions to treat everybody as if they are infected."
Dental Health Services Victoria, which oversees public dental, has reported a rise in patients cancelling routine checks. Emergency dental numbers were also down.
DHSV chief executive officer Susan McKee said tele-health video appointments had proved useful in some urgent care, offering advice and a prescription when needed.
"Importantly we are reducing the need for people to attend a clinic by treating only urgent problems and stabilising non-urgent conditions," Ms McKee said.
"Through greater use of video calls, we are able to actively discuss home prevention techniques with our patients."
Dental procedures were restricted to emergencies early in the pandemic (level three) but these were downgraded to level one restrictions in May. Australian Dental Association Victoria last week revised to level two restrictions.
Dr Chung-Nguyen said it was vital people keep up good oral hygiene all the time, not just during the pandemic. A key part of this was checking in with a dentist.
"Maintenance is the key to keep up excellent oral hygiene," Dr Chung-Nguyen said.
"Don't be afraid to go and see the dentist, especially for any niggles. Get checked out before niggles become a bigger issue.
"It's a bit like servicing a car: regular care, regular checks and brushing twice a day, every day, is important."
Don't be afraid to go and see the dentist, especially for any niggles. Get checked out before niggles become a bigger issue.
- Dr Han Han Chung-Nguyen, Ballarat Dental Group
Dr Chung-Nguyen and DHSV also recommend eating well - so being mindful of not too much sugary iso-treats - drinking water and flossing to help best look after teeth.
Early in the pandemic, Australian Dental Association Victoria chief executive officer Matthew Hopcraft warned of issues with people being home more led to a tendency to snack more through the day.
"That really increases the risk of potentially having dental problems," Dr Hopcraft said.
"Take it easy on snacking. Have lots of water and really take care of those teeth, really look after them, because the last thing we want now is people having dental problems."
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