Below, we have gathered information to addresses many of the questions and challenges that we know members have. If you have further questions or are seeking more information, call the ADA&C reception at 780-432-1012 to be redirected appropriately.
Returning Traveler Guidance for Health Professionals:
International travelers arriving into Canada must comply with federal travel restrictions, including entry requirements and mandatory COVID-19 testing (where applicable).
All travelers can be eligible to enter Canada as a fully vaccinated traveler regardless of citizenship. Canadians must meet and follow all of the same entry requirements.
The Government of Alberta currently imposes no additional travel restrictions upon international travelers to Alberta. Federal travel restrictions continue to apply.
Travel Requirements – Government of Alberta
COVID-19 Vaccinated Travelers Entering Canada
Further self-isolation guidelines
Albertans are legally required to isolate for 10 days if you tested positive or have any core symptoms that are not related to a pre-existing illness or health condition.
As of July 29, 2021 you are no longer legally required to quarantine if you are a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
If you have any core symptoms of COVID-19, you need to isolate for at least 10 days from the start of your symptoms or until they are gone, whichever is longer, or until you test negative.
Continuity of Care:
You continue to be your patients’ dentist of record. You are obliged to address their ongoing emergency questions. Core elements of care to asymptomatic patients include that you have arranged for these patients to have availability to you or another dentist that you have asked to do this. This other dentist is essentially stepping into your shoes as the patients’ care provider.
Your voice mail and email messaging to patients must include information about how a patient can contact you or another dentist, including a telephone number. You must ensure their calls or emails are returned in a timely way. Being available by phone or email is the essential element.
It is NOT appropriate to refer your patients to an emergency room for a dental emergency when you or the other dentist can reasonably assess that patient in a dental setting or over the telephone. Pharmacological care may be your first level of management. Use your clinical judgment
Practice disruptions:
As of July 1, 2021 the ADA&C is implementing these Key Considerations for Dental Practice Moving Forward During the COVID-19 Pandemic. These considerations replace previous guidelines.
Online Resources and Social Media:
- Alberta Health Services has current information available and updates.
- We suggest that you share practice information and links to AHS through your social media
channels.
We hope the information contained herein answers a lot of the questions we have been receiving from
members and the public. We also hope that Membership and their teams can play a crucial role in delivering factual information to their patients. The dedicated staff are here to provide you with an excellent level of response and attention to your concerns and questions.
For general questions, please call reception at 780-432-1012 to be redirected appropriately.
Executive and ADA&C staff will continue to provide updates regarding COVID-19 as they develop.