Thread: Dental clinics urged to adopt COVID-Free Setting as patient number declines

BANGKOK (NNT) - The COVID-19 pandemic has led to fewer patients visiting their dentists out of infection concerns. The Department of Health is recommending dental clinics adopt the COVID-Free Setting guideline to boost patients’ confidence.


The Department of Health is asking for cooperation from dental clinics in Thailand to adopt the COVID-Free Setting health and hygiene guideline in order to regain patients’ confidence.


The department’s Director-General Dr. Suwanchai Wattanayingcharoenchai said the number of visits to dental clinics has seen a decline, with the rate of adults dropping to 33.7% this year from 52.2% in 2020, while the rate of elders declined from 42.4% to 36.5%.


He said the implementation of COVID-Free Setting measures at clinics will help ensure safety for both the staff and patients, with a focus on a safe environment and safe practices.


The guideline calls for frequent disinfecting of waiting areas, touch surfaces, and x-ray machines every 1-2 hours or after use; the implementation of an appointment system to prevent crowding, and a requirement for all staff members and patients to be fully vaccinated.


Patients who have yet to receive their two COVID-19 jabs can still visit the clinics, provided they take a COVID-19 antigen test prior to service.


The Ministry of Public Health will be providing free dental services at public dental facilities across the country on 21 October, which is National Dental Hygiene Day.


The day marks the birthday of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra. The late Princess was regarded as the mother of Thailand’s dentistry.


National News Bureau Of Thailand

those recommendations make a lot of sense.

the latest guidance given to uk dentists is blatant overkill based on panic and fear.

a daily lateral flow test for the dentist and a test for the patient 30 minutes before treatment should be more than enough.

its time that life and economies got back to normal and accept that covid is here to stay and the only way to reduce hospitalisation and serious complications is to get vaccinated



http://https://www.gov.uk/government...ental-appendix

Originally Posted by taxexile

its time that life and economies got back to normal

In the UK it simply isn't.

In the house of commons one side is masked up and the other isn't. Clearly tories have been told 'Pretend it's OK'.

A terrible example for the country at large.

The recommendations in the op do make sense, but appointments being set to make sure few people are in waiting rooms are not really a move 'back to normal', it's the 'new normal'.

Big difference - someone needs to explain it to tory numpties in the UK.

cyrille

tories this and tories that

too humid today in chaing mai is it cyril?

must be the fault of the tories.

Well that's me told.

Perceptive and insightful as ever.

ie not in the least.

My trip to the dentist now entails being met by the dentist and assistance in full biohazard suits with breathing apparatus