Important Information Regarding COVID-19

Updated: Thursday 13 January 2022

At No Gaps Dental we consider your safety our highest priority. We are closely monitoring the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak situation and are listening carefully to the questions and concerns we receive from our patients.

Dental care is an essential service, and our clinics remain OPEN to everyone, regardless of your vaccination status against COVID-19.

In light of the significant rising of COVID-19 cases in NSW, our practices, staff and dentists may be impacted by COVID-19 in the near future, and required to follow isolation rules.

If you have an existing appointment and our practice has been impacted by COVID-19, we will be sure to contact you immediately, and to reschedule your appointment to another time.

We do apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause, but the well-being of our patients, team and communities is our highest priority, and in line with public health advice, we’re taking all necessary steps to ensure your ongoing safety in our practices. We thank you for your understanding and co-operation during these uncertain times.

Please note that there are some changes to the way we operate to keep everyone safe and by coming to our clinics, you agree to follow these changes.

What treatments can we provide?

From Monday the 11th of October 2021, we are able to provide all types of dental treatment including routine hygiene appointments.

Can I make an appointment*?

YES – if you would like to make an appointment, please do not hesitate to contact us by phone, or book online.

If ANY of the following circumstances apply to you, we respectfully ask that you DO NOT make an appointment

• • • You have tested positive to COVID-19 in the past 10 days (even if you are not showing symptoms)
    • You are a close contact to someone who has tested positive to COVID-19 in the past 10 days
    • You or a member of your household have are required to isolate due to COVID-19
    • You or a member of your household are waiting for COVID-19 test results
    • You are suffering from any cold or flu symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, stuffy nose, loss of taste and or smell, or you feel unwell (regardless of the severity of the symptoms)

How can I cancel or reschedule my appointment?

If you need to cancel your appointment, please review our cancellation policy here before completing the Appointment Cancellation Form.

We ask that out of courtesy, you provide as much notice as possible for the following reasons:

• It is not possible to fill an appointment time by booking in another patient at short notice
• Your dentist dedicates significant time and care to treatment planning and preparation
• There are other patients who would have taken the appointment time if given sufficient notice

What changes have been made in our clinics?

When attending our clinics, please note the following:

1. To reduce the number of people in our clinics, we ask that patients attend their appointment by themselves. For minors or those who require assistance, a limit of one person can attend with them
2. All patients will be screened for their level of COVID-19 risk. This is in the form of a few simple questions on the day of their appointment.
3. Until further notice, everyone in the clinic is required to wear a face mask except while receiving treatment in the dental chair. For instructions on how to wear a mask safely, please see below:
   • Medical Masks
   • Fabric Masks

While we continue to uphold our strict hygiene and infection control standards, we have also implemented additional precautionary measures to minimise the risk of COVID-19 including, but not limited to the following:

• • Are ensuring that social distancing is practiced in our clinics. This means that we are limiting the number of people in the clinic based on the current NSW COVID-19 restrictions, and the chairs in the waiting rooms have been placed apart accordingly.
  • Have provided further training to our staff and dentists about infection prevention and control, specifically in relation to COVID-19, to ensure they are well equipped to work in this environment.
  • Have introduced additional measures including more frequent and thorough cleaning of shared spaces and the use of hand sanitiser for your use when entering and leaving the clinic.

Are your Dentists and staff vaccinated against COVID-19?

Yes, it is a requirement that all Dentists and staff working in our clinics are fully vaccinated.

Vaccination is the best way that we can keep a safe working environment for ourselves as well as our patients and break the chain of transmission.

What can I do to help stop the spread of COVID-19?

PLEASE protect yourselves and your loved ones.  Help stop the spread and save lives by doing the following in your day-to-day lives:

1. Practice Good Hygiene

• Frequent and thorough hand washing (at least 20 seconds) with soap and water

i) before and after eating
ii) after going to the toilet
iii) after blowing your nose
iv) after coughing or sneezing
v) after being in a public place

• Cover your cough and sneeze into your elbow, or into a tissue and dispose of the tissue immediately
• Avoid touching your face (especially your eyes, nose and mouth)
• If you feel unwell, stay home and if you have any cold or flu symptoms, get tested.

2. Practice Social Distancing

• Avoid crowded places and limit gatherings in accordance with Government restrictions
• Stay at least 1.5m away from others
• If you are unable to practice social distancing, wear a face mask

3. Get Vaccinated

• If you are eligible, get vaccinated as soon as possible. This will help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• Remember to get your booster when due.

Please be aware that the current environment is constantly changing, and we will endeavour to update this page with relevant patient information as the situation evolves.

We apologise for any inconvenience these changes may cause and we thank you for your understanding!

If you have any further questions, please see our Support Page or contact our Support Team.