09 August 2021
Restrictions ease in regional Victoria
The Victorian Premier has announced that restrictions will ease in regional Victoria from midnight Monday 9 August 2021.
This means that from Tuesday 10 August dentists in regional Victoria will be able to return to pre-lockdown activity.
Dental practitioners in metropolitan Melbourne are still only permitted to provide dental services for the management of patients with urgent needs or care where failure to do so in a clinically appropriate timeframe will lead to adverse outcomes. These restrictions are part of the Restricted Activity Directions issued by the Victorian Government under the authority of the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 (Vic) and are legally binding. Penalties apply for failure to comply with these restrictions.
Restrictions on dental services are designed to balance the need to access necessary dental care with the reduction of movement of people in the community. This should guide clinical decision making. Clinicians should take a risk-based approach during this period. There is more information here to provide guidance. The ADAVB won’t provide specific advice on what treatment can or cannot be provided – dentists must exercise their clinical judgement to determine whether a delay in care will lead to adverse outcomes.
Face masks continue to be required everywhere indoors and outdoors (except private residences), unless an exception applies. All staff must wear a face mask in all areas of the dental practice (not just when treating patients) and patients must wear a face mask in the reception area. The face mask requirement applies to everyone aged 12 years and older unless an exemption applies.
ADAVB members please check your email inboxes for the member update sent on Monday 9 August. Not a member? Find out more and join us to be supported with member-only resources and updates.
Further information:
