Dental COVID-19 FAQ

Can I get a checkup during COVID?

Absolutely, do not defer your dental treatment. At Smiles of Ryde we practice exceptional infection control when there isn’t an epidemic, so you can expect that we have gone above and beyond to ensure your safety.

Lots of dentists are closed, why are you open?

We have agreed to stay open for 3 reasons.

  1. If all dentists close there will be an influx of patients at the hospital. We have agreed to stay open to reduce the burden on the hospitals.
  2. Many older dentists have closed their doors, reducing the availability of emergency treatment. As we are all in good health and thus are at lower risk of complications, we are open.
  3. We have always practiced exceptional Infection control standards and have gone above and beyond with all the recommended guidelines during the pandemic, so we are confident that we are providing a COVID SAFE environment.

I have a toothache and I have a confirmed/suspected case of Covid-19, can you treat me ?

Unfortunately not, the Government has advised that treating suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients is not advisable in private dental surgeries as it posses a very high risk to the community.

Please present to the Dental Department at Westmead Hospital where they are equipped to care for you. You can call them on 02 8890-6766.

I have a toothache and I have am in quarantine, can you treat me?

Unfortunately not, the Government has advised that treating quarantined patients, even if they have returned a negative test result, is not advisable in private dental surgeries as it posses a very high risk to the community.

Please present to the Dental Department at Westmead Hospital where they are equipped to care for you. You can call them on 02 8890-6766.

Is it safe to come to see the dentist?

Absolutely, we practice the highest level of infection control in the world, we have taken further measures above and beyond the recommendations, to ensure everyone’s safety.

Before a patient enters the surgery they are screened for any signs of illness. On the day of their appointment we check that they have not been to any hot spots with the latest data from NSW Health. All patients then fill out a questionnaire to ensure they will not pose a risk to other patients and staff.

All patients are required to wear a mask when in the practice, except during treatment. All staff wear masks at all times within the practice. This is for the protection of everyone.

Patients are asked to perform hand hygiene multiple times throughout their visit as well as performing a mouth-rinse before treatment.

The dental surgeries are thoroughly disinfected between appointments, as are the waiting rooms, halls and doors.

Is Smiles of Ryde dental surgery closing?

No; The Dental Board and the government have advised that if access to urgent dental care stops entirely, this would place a burden on medical primary care and emergency services.