Following a Federal Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, level three restrictions will be reduced to level two, allowing for a broader range of treatments and not just emergencies.
Echuca Dental Clinic dentist Amrita Ranchod said the scope of dental practice was now a lot more inclusive.
“As per the Australian Dental Association COVID-19 guidelines, the transition to grade two restriction will still imply that preventative measures will continue with the use of limiting barriers like the rubber dam, while opening up the scope of practice to include comprehensive dental examinations, including number of restorative procedures enabling the use of high speed handpiece that was restricted,” she said.
“Grade two will also allow for surgical extractions, medical management of soft tissues, TMJ dysfunctions treatments, various denture procedures, orthodontic treatments and preventive treatments to include fluoride treatments.”
Dr Ranchod said ultrasonic devices and surgical handpieces remained restricted but all surgical extractions could be referred to specialist oral surgeons who could undertake these procedures using transmission-based precautions.
Elective implant dental treatment will also be delayed.
“This is good news indeed as the world awaits ease in lockdowns and a gradual return to our lives,” Dr Ranchod said.
Chief executive Ishan D’Souza also welcomed the move.
“This is certainly a step in the right direction towards normalisation,” he said.
“This would not have been possible without everyone’s collective acts of sacrifice during this challenging time.
“We are slowly but surely going to get through this and without a doubt we will come out stronger.’’
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