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COVID-19: Dental college recommends suspension of all non-essential and elective services

Measures to be revisited in April
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NEWS RELEASE
ROYAL COLLEGE OF DENTAL SURGEONS
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In accordance with our mandate to act in the public’s interest and in hearing the numerous comments made to us by members, in consultation with hospitals and public health and others, we are offering to the membership the following measures and guidelines in response to the COVID–19 pandemic.

The RCDSO strongly recommends that all non-essential and elective dental services should be suspended immediately. Emergency treatment should continue.

The College will revisit this recommendation in the first week of April.

We have received many calls over the past 24 hours from dentists and hygienists concerned about keeping dental practices open and putting their patients, communities and staff at risk.

In addition, many health care providers in community settings have not been able to secure a reasonable supply of 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 bold action is required.

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