Dental care during the pandemic

Dental services around Australia continue to care for their patients as we all battle through the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Practices around the country where there are no stay at home restrictions and low numbers of COVID-19 cases will be able to look after all of your dental health needs, including seeing you for your regular check up and clean. In areas where there are stay at home restrictions, people are still allowed to visit the dentist for necessary dental care and It is important that you do not put off or delay going to the dentist if you are experiencing dental problems.

Maintaining your oral health is more important now than ever and we’d encourage you to keep in contact with your dentist and to use the information on this page to help you to manage your dental health.

Is it safe to visit the dentist?

Australian dental practitioners have the highest infection control standards in the world and the safety of their patients and their teams is a cornerstone of Australian dental practice. Where appropriate, dentists may take extra precautions to keep you safe during the pandemic.

You should not delay dental treatment if your dentist is open and ready to help.

If you have been to an expsoure site or been in contact with someone who has COVID-19 and are required to quarantine, or you are experiencing cold and flu symptoms, please delay your dental appointment and get tested for COVID-19. You must stay at home and isolate until you receive your test result.

What should I expect if I do see my dentist?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, additional measures are being taken to stop the spread of the virus. You might see an empty waiting room and be asked to wash your hands or use hand sanitiser as you enter the practice, and on the way out, as well as other social distancing requirements. 

If you have any questions about these additional measures please ask your dentist.

Can I be treated for a dental emergency if I have COVID-19?

If you need urgent dental care and think you may have COVID-19, it’s important to call your dentist or Find-A-Dentist near you and discuss your situation.

If you have a dental emergency and have been diagnosed with COVID-19, dental treatment is available as an in-patient or within a hospital setting by appropriately trained and credentialled dental personnel.