It is great that NZ is doing so well and that we are now used to life in Level 1.  We have been able to open our doors to patients who require routine dental care from Level 2 and only a few things change in Level 1 for dentistry.

There appears to be no evidence of community spread of Covid-19 and all our new cases are people entering the country and being quarantined on arrival.  We can see though how fragile this is with the early, compassionate release of two women from the UK who subsequently tested positive and with the escape of another from quarantine. It does mean that we all need to be vigilant around hygiene and cough etiquette.  Dentistry is a particularly risky area when it comes to transmission due to the aerosols that are created during treatments. The Dental Council, The Dental Association and The Ministry of Health recognise this and we have guidelines that we need to follow.

Some of the guidelines include:

Asking questions relating to your risk of exposure to the Covid-19 virus prior to your appointment. In particular at Level 1 this relates to recent overseas travel or close contact with people who have travelled overseas.

There is a specific QR code available for you to record your visit on your contact ap. We also have a record via the appointment book and a book where we record all other visitors to the practice (couriers, supply reps).

Limiting contact where possible.  Asking patients to arrive close to appointment time and dentists trying to stay on time also (not always possible!). Asking patients to limit additional people or support to one person.

Please use our hand sanitiser or wash your hands in our bathroom when you come in and leave.

Where possible we will be reducing the volume of aerosol created so this will mean a mouthwash before we look in your mouth, the use of a rubber dam where we can and high volume suction (our units are equipped with these).

At the end of the appointment we will try to get your next appointment booked and payment made in a timely fashion to limit the number of people in the reception area.

Since reopening we have been extremely busy and we wish to express our gratitude at how very understanding everyone is. We are working hard to accommodate everyone’s needs. If you are having trouble with booking online or via email or if you have an urgent problem please call the surgery directly on 03 455 0621 so that we can help you.

With the announcement that the country is able to progress to Level 2 we are now able to open our doors to patients who require routine dental care from Wednesday 8th September.  This means we can arrange to see you for your check up, fix that broken tooth, replace that unsightly filling and give your teeth a good clean!

Things will be a little bit different still. We will have to do things a little differently and limit contact so that we are ‘playing it safe’ but we will still do our very best to make your dental appointment as stress-free as we can.

• Asking lots of questions relating to your risk of exposure to the Covid-19 virus prior to your appointment and repeating these when you are in the chair. If you are unwell please let us know and stay home
• When you arrive for your appointment, we will ask you to stay in the car or relax on the bench seat outside. Let us know you’ve arrived and we will call you in to the surgery when we are ready for you
• Please wear a mask at all times - your dentist will let you know when it’s safe to take it off
• Please use the hand sanitiser before coming in (there will be some at the front door).
• Please come into the surgery alone if possible or discuss this with us prior to coming in (there will be some allowances)
• Where possible we will be reducing the amount of aerosol created so this may mean that we use a rubber dam where we can and use high vacuum suction
• At the end of the appointment replace your mask and we will get you to take a seat in the surgery while we write up notes and we will send you through to reception once this is done (and reception is free of other patients) to limit the time in the waiting room when you make another appointment or you are paying

• We will still make you feel welcomed and relaxed (as much as is possible at the dentists!)
• We will still make ill-timed, corny jokes or ask questions when your mouth is full (sorry!!)
• We will still take the time to listen to you and discuss any treatment or concerns you have

Good news that we are now in Level 3. Well done to everyone for choosing to stay home and save lives. For those of you who are essential workers, thank you for keeping us all safe and fed and comfortable in our bubbles.

We thought we’d touch base so that you all had an idea about what Covid-19 means for your ongoing dental care. Guidelines have been given to us and we are able to treat patients under these restrictions and guidance.

General Information

The back story is that dentistry is a high risk situation for transmission of viruses because of the aerosols generated when we blow air, water and use high speed equipment. We require full PPE over and above our usual whenever we are creating an aerosol with low risk patients during Level 3. We will carefully triage potential patients at the time of making the appointment to assess general risks of Covid-19 exposure or infection. All triaged “at risk” clients are likely to still be seen by the SDHB or School of Dentistry, however low risk patients will be able to be seen at Dentistry on Musselburgh.

Please remember that our team are more than happy to be contacted by phone or email for advice during lockdown. Either leave a message at ph 034550621 or email office@dentistdunedin.co.nz or call Bridget 021 317 100.

Level 3 at Dentistry on Musselburgh

Level 3 is not too different from Level 4 for dentistry. We are still trying to limit face-to-face contact as much as possible. Where over-the-counter medications or prescriptions are no longer working or are not appropriate we are able to see patients who are in pain or have severe infections.

Dental procedures for emergencies and relief of pain that do not produce an aerosol are permitted. These include but are not limited to:
• Tooth extractions
• Jaw consultations for grinding, headaches and TMD
• Consultations for treatment of bruxism

For emergency procedures that do require aerosol we have full PPE. These include but are not limited to:
• Broken fillings or teeth causing pain or discomfort or difficulty eating
• Gum infections requiring deep cleaning
• Root canal treatment on infected or painful teeth

We will allow extra time, high speed suction and other infection control aids including rubber dam. So please be confident that we have everyone’s best interests at heart.

Practical Information Regarding Appointments

1. If you had an appointment booking during lockdown:
Our very efficient front office team will be in touch with you once we have firm dates available to reschedule.

2. If you had emergency contact with us during lockdown:
We will be in contact asap to schedule an appointment or to touch base about your issues, once we get the all clear from the NZ Dental Association.

3. If you have an upcoming appointment:
At Level 3 presume your appointment is cancelled, although we are likely to contact you personally. Please call directly if you are currently having any symptoms or pain as we may be able to see you and treat that problem.  At Level 2 we should be able to see patients for more routine care which hasn’t been causing pain or infection.

What Differences Should You Anticipate with Your Appointment?

On arrival
You may be asked to wait in your car or take a seat on the bench on the veranda until we have your clinic ready for you so less time is spent in the rooms.

You may be put through a triage set of questions and you may need to fill out a medical questionnaire with a declaration signed by you. Please bring your own pen if possible. Please also wear a mask before entering the building.

Please use the Covid tracer QR code located by the entrance way. You will be directed to enter the building and go straight through to the appropriate surgery where you will be asked to wash your hands or hand sanitise.

During your appointment
These appointments might be longer because of buffer times between appointments for increased infection control processes and for increased time when we substitute non aerosol generating methods.

Clinical staff might be in full PPE or regular infection control gowns depending on your treatment.

After your appointment
Any follow up appointments will be made by the dentist in the surgery.

Depending on the level of PPE required there may be an additional fee which represents only the additional cost of the PPE required. There is no additional charge for the extra clinic time required to treat patients under the current regulations.

The receptionist will take your payment in the waiting room. Please wear a mask after you leave the surgery.

Please wash your hands or sanitise before you leave, for your own protection.

We look forward to seeing your smiling faces again.

Principal Dentist

Bridget graduated almost 20 years ago from the Otago School of Dentistry with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (with Credit). Wanting to remain in Dunedin, she first worked as a Dental House Surgeon with the Dental School and Dunedin Public Hospital. Since then Bridget has worked in private practice, in most areas of dentistry, in both Dunedin and also during a four year excursion to Waiheke Island. She also worked in the Hospital Dentistry Department at the School of Dentistry, where she particularly enjoyed working with medically compromised patients. Bridget and her husband Conrad have two children - Meg (15 years) and Sam (12 years).

Dentistry on Musselburgh has the philosophy of treating the whole family and taking care of your teeth and gums to improve your overall health. This is completely aligned with Bridget’s own style and philosophy of dentistry.

Dentist

Saleema Reeves, dentist (and previous owner), has been working from Dentistry on Musselburgh for over 25 years and continues to serve new and existing patients. Saleema also teaches in the undergraduate clinics at the School of Dentistry where she enjoys the opportunity to share from her wealth of experience. Saleema prides herself on sound patient relationships that endure the test of time and high quality work using excellent products. This is provided in the relaxed, friendly, caring atmosphere of Dentistry on Musselburgh. Saleema’s overall approach is holistic and she has a balanced approach, always addressing the cause as well as the symptoms.

Oral Health Therapist
Dental Hygienist/Therapist

Nicky Fisher is an Oral Health Therapist and holds a dual degree in Dental Hygiene, Dental Therapy and Health Promotion from the University of Otago. Nicky has a special interest in the prevention of oral health diseases and works in the dental team with patients in all age groups. Part of her role includes providing quality dental care as a Dental Therapist, to various sections of the community, particularly children and adolescents. Nicky’s passion extends beyond just your teeth and gums, to include your general health and overall well being too. Nicky always provides a positive, non-judgmental environment for her patients. She offers individual care and works to empower her patients to have improved oral health.

Dentist

Hello I am Christian and I’m really pleased to be joining the team again at Musselburgh. Originally from Wales, I gained my BDS in Bristol and have over 10 years experience in hospital/community and general dentistry. I enjoy the variety of dentistry in a family practice and find satisfaction from making anxious patients more comfortable. Away from the dental clinic I can usually be found either tinkering with old cars, on the side lines of the school rugby grounds or at the park with my young family. I look forward to meeting you.