Loading articles...

All non-emergency dental treatment postponed in Alberta

Last Updated Mar 17, 2020 at 2:51 pm MDT

FILE- In this June 27, 2006, file photo, some of the dental implants and tools produced in the IMTEC production facility are displayed in Ardmore, Okla. Dental implants are increasingly being used to replace missing or failing teeth instead of dentures or bridges, which can be uncomfortable and hasten further deterioration. Experts say dental implants, usually titanium screws inserted into jawbone and capped with a permanent crown, are long-lasting and the best option for most people. (AP Photo, File)

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – The Alberta Dental Association and College (ADA&C) has announced all non-emergency dental treatment and services have been suspended in the province in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a release, it says dentists may provide emergency treatments only, including treatment of oral-facial trauma, major infection, prolonged bleeding, or unmanageable pain.

Dentists have started contacting patients to let them know of the new regulations in place.

Pre-screening of possible patients will determine whether or not their cases fall under the emergency treatment category and risks of possible contamination will be taken in to consideration says Dr. Randall Croutze, CEO of the ADA&C.

“Dentists in Alberta have a duty to prevent exposure to (…) infection from COVID-19,” he says.

If the risk of contamination is too great, the treatment must be postponed.

There’s no indication as to when dental offices will reopen for non-emergency treatments.