Most dental offices in Nova Scotia are now closed unless a patient requires emergency or urgent care. That’s defined as “the treatment of infection, acute pain, trauma, bleeding and for necessary post-operative follow up”.
Many dental hygienists have received layoff notices. The regulatory body for dentists — the Provincial Dental Board of Nova Scotia — has recommended cancelling regular appointments until March 30. Here is the message to patients from the website of the Micmac Dental Centre:
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, our provincial dental board has advised that all non-essential and elective dental services be suspended. Thus, over the next two weeks we will only be open to see patients requiring emergency care (severe pain, swelling, bleeding). We will re-evaluate on March 30th. Please call ahead as our hours of operation will likely change.
Floss, upgrade your toothpaste, and get a new toothbrush. Early days of pandemic. Imagine those without coverage for a cavity or a tooth pulled. Hundreds to thousands of dollars to relieve that. Good fortune to all to prevent. Perhaps we move to narrative beyond hand washing? Oh yeah, wash your hands after you floss….
Wash your hands before you stick them in/around your mouth!