Above: Mum awaiting her dental treatment in a special room due to Covid-19 precautions.
I’m still learning about Covid SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures). Yesterday I went to the mall. I learnt that that clothes I try on in a store have to be sanitized before returning to the shelves.
Today I experienced the full precautions at our local government dental clinic. My had been yesterday and she needed some fillings. Actually, so do I because two have fallen out since my last dental visit a year ago.
Trouble is, we have a few cases of Covid in the district and are now in Yellow Alert. The government clinic has suspended all procedures that generate aerosol, which I guess mean spray and splatter. That would include scaling and fillings (because there is drilling involved). While I had to wait for a few weeks or go private, they made an exception to do Mum’s three fillings, fitting her in this afternoon. This was in consideration of her age I guess.
Her treatment was carried out in a special room that was shrouded in plastic. The dental assistant stands outside the plastic-shrouded area and hands equipment and material through the “Clean” hatch to the dentist. Used stuff goes out through the “Dirty” hatch. Despite 2 masks, 2 hijabs, Hazmat suit, face shield, plastic sheeting, equipment noise, the pair still communicate effectively with each other. The room was freezing because of the amount of gear they were wearing.
Three fillings cost Mum MYR6 (USD1.50) total. Dental care in the government system is very affordable if you can afford to wait weeks for a slot.
Incidentally, patient records are the patient’s responsibility. You are reasonable for safekeeping, loss or data breach. I love how you always know your dentist’s name and university as it’s always stamped onto your record. Today’s dentist graduated from the University of Science and Technology in Jordan. Some graduate from India, Australia or local universities.
Dental record and payment receipt.