Dental practices across the country have reported a 95 per cent reduction in earnings over the past two months because of the COVID-19 pandemic, says the Fiji Dental Association.
Association president Dr Prakishath Naidu said some practices have either closed completely while others have provided up to 5 per cent only of their usual services.
“Dental and oral healthcare is an essential health service, declared as part of Non-Communicable Diseases in the Political Declaration of Universal Health Coverage,” Dr Naidu said.
“Due to the very close physical proximity, dentists when treating patients, it puts both the patients and the dental team at a high risk of infectious diseases which are easily transmissible such as COVID-19.
“Although dental facilities can continue to provide services to the public ethically, it is the dentist’s discretion on this matter to be judicious if such a decision of not treating a patient is made.”
The Nadi-based clinician said that despite these hardships, dentists have then taken full commitment to adhering to safety guidelines.
He said the current situation had lasted longer than anticipated and had caused stress to dentists and patients.
Dr Naidu said it was also important for the public to note that a vaccinated person would less likely fall sick caused by the virus inside the body.
“He is less likely to transmit it by coughing and sneezing.
“In recognition of this fact, a vaccinated person is classified as a low risk category compared to someone who is not vaccinated.
“The in-house policies some dentists are relying on are based on the recommendations from Ministry of Commerce business COVID rules and the Ministry of Health COVID safety guidelines.”
Dr Naidu added all dental care providers have been encouraged to modify their ventilation to meet a functional and practical clinical setting during this health crisis.
