AT A TIME when businesses are closing every day due to the coronavirus crisis, Echuca Dental Clinic is assuring patients it is open for business.
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And booked out eight weeks ahead.
Chief executive Ishan D’Souza said the Anstruther St clinic was taking emergencies only, in line with COVID-19 grade three safety protocols.
“The clinic is equipped with the latest dental technologies, air purifiers and PPE standards to ensure staff and patients are safe in this challenging time,” he said.
“We are hugely thankful to the Australian Dental Association for giving us masks. We are at the frontline of healthcare and we see this as our duty of care.”
Principal dentist Amrita Ranchod as well as Dr Marcus Aw, Dr Leigh Hall and Dr Graham Challan are working, along with several staff, to treat emergencies cases such as broken teeth, tooth ache, pain and swelling.
“We are only seeing one patient at a time and are rotating our three surgery rooms to limit exposure to aerosols,” Dr Ranchod said.
“We are using the latest air purifiers that remove more allergens and pathogens at a faster rate in addition to personal protective equipment including masks and gloves.”
“We are also helping Echuca Regional Health with their patients as they can’t practise dentistry at this time.”
Dr D’Souza said the clinic was also introducing teleconferencing facilities.
“We have a lot of older patients who can’t always come in so they can call for a telehealth conference,” he said.
“We have partnered with neighbouring pharmacies so we can send the script straight there and the products can be delivered.
“We also have a dental survival kit for people who need medicated toothpaste or mouthwash delivered to them.”
Dr D’Souza said the surgery, commonly referred to as Dr Marcus Aw Dental, was one of the longest running dental clinics in Campaspe Shire, operating since 1965.
“We continue to see three generations of patients,” he said.
“Some of our staff have been with us for 14 years, so it is wonderful we have been able to keep some of them on during this time.
“Our staff are absolutely vital, and they continue to call our patients daily to simply if they are okay and how they can help.”
Dr D’Souza said the clinic was conservative in its approach and only carried out necessary treatments.
“Our emphasis is on prevention and longevity of one’s own dentition,” he said.
He said the Echuca-Moama community was adhering well to the COVID-19 restrictions and the message seemed to be getting through.
“We thank the people of our community who are staying home to allow us to continue to be at the frontline to be able to carry out dental emergency cases.”
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