What we're doing:

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• Appointments will be spaced out to allow physical distancing and disinfecting between patients. This might mean less flexibility when scheduling your appointment.

• You will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms both before your appointment and upon arrival at the dental office. Your temperature will be taken with a touchless thermometer when you arrive for your appointment.

• You will be asked to wear a mask or face covering while in the office except during treatment.

• Our team will be wearing more PPE than usual, including isolation gowns, scrub caps and face shields during aerosol generating procedures.

• We may ask that you come to your appointment alone. There are exceptions for small children and people who require assistance. Parents or caregivers will also be subject to screening measures.

• You may be asked to call when you arrive and wait outside until your appointment. You would be notified when you can enter.

• The waiting room will not be open to everyone. Chairs will be spaced two metres (or six feet) apart. There will be no magazines, toys, or any other non-essential items in the waiting room.

• Patients must clean their hands with a 70- to 90-per cent alcohol-based solution or soap and water when entering and leaving the office.

• Patients will be given a mouth rinse prior to treatment.

• We are disinfecting the waiting room and treatment rooms after patient visits, and we pay special attention to high touch areas, such as doorknobs.

• We encourage patients to to pay by touchless payment, such as credit card or Interac.

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How you can help:

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• Please stay home if you have flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, or difficulty breathing) or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. If you are sick and have an upcoming dental appointment, please call us to reschedule, or ask about other care options.

• Please follow all the rules regarding hand sanitizing, masks and physical distancing before and after your appointment.

• Please plan on paying by touchless payment instead of cash.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to visit my dentist during the pandemic?

Yes. Dentists have always followed very strict infection prevention and control protocols. With additional COVID-19 guidance, we are providing you with the safest care possible. Our priority is to protect you, other patients, our team and their families.

What about the recommendation by the World Health Organization about putting off non-essential dental care during COVID-19?

This guidance is in place for countries with wide-spread community transmission of COVID-19 and does not apply to what’s happening in Canada at this time. More information is available from the Canadian Dental Association.

Alberta dentists have always followed strict infection control protocols. During the pandemic, we are doing everything we can to put additional levels of protection in place to create the safest environment for everyone in the dental office.

Will I be charged a PPE fee?

During the pandemic, members of the dental care team require more personal protective equipment (PPE) – such as N95 respirator masks, gowns, face shields, and/or head and foot coverings. We are not currently charging any additional fees for PPE.

I am anxious about visiting the dentist during the pandemic, but I think I have a dental emergency. What should I do?

Please call our office at (780) 962-3414. We will ask you for information about your situation and give you advice about the next steps. A dental emergency is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate treatment. This includes:

• Traumatic injury to the mouth and face

• Severe infection, such as an abscess or swelling

• Bleeding that continues for a long time

• Dental pain that doesn't improve by taking over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol or Advil

How can I take care of my teeth before I can see my dentist?

Practicing good dental hygiene and following healthy lifestyle habits is more important than ever. Here are some tips:

• Brush your teeth using the proper technique at least twice a day for two to three minutes each day.

• Floss daily. It’s more effective than brushing alone and helps to remove food debris and bacteria from places the toothbrush can’t reach.

• Eat a healthy diet, rich in calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D rich in omega-3 fats.

• Quit or cut back on smoking.

• Be mindful of stress. Regular exercise, meditation, and deep breathing can help reduce the impact of stress on your mouth and immune system.

• If you’re consuming alcohol or marijuana, do so in moderation. When you drink, your mouth is exposed to increased levels of sugars and acids found in alcohol, which can be damaging to your teeth. Marijuana smoke can cause oral cancer, dry mouth, and staining, and THC can weaken your immune system.

• Snack in moderation, and swish with water after eating sugary snacks to help wash away sugar and acid.

• Chew sugarless gum to help stimulate saliva flow and avoid dry mouth. That salivary stimulation helps protect your teeth from decay-causing bacteria

How do I know if I have COVID-19?

Alberta Health Services has an online self-assessment tool to help you determine if you need to isolate or get tested.

If you are having difficulty breathing or experiencing other severe symptoms, call 911 immediately. 

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