Royal College of
Dental Surgeons of Ontario
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Information on COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)

The RCDSO’s guidance, COVID-19: Managing infection risks during in-person dental care, assist dentists in preparing their offices to safely provide in-person care. We've also prepared a list of FAQs on COVID-19. The College continues to monitor and update this guidance as necessary, including in response to additional guidance or announcements from the Provincial Government and changing rates of community transmission of COVID-19.

In accordance with our mandate to act in the public’s interest and in hearing the numerous comments made to us by members, in consultation with hospitals and public health and others, we are offering Ontario dentists resources in response to the COVID–19 pandemic. 

This COVID-19 office checklist will assist dentists in preparing their offices and understanding how to safely provide in-person care in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

How Do I Find Information About COVID-19 in my Local Practice Area?

Dentists are advised to be aware of the conditions in their area and take action as needed. In particular, dentists are advised to monitor any new recommendations from their local public health unit or changes to the status of their region.

The College is not a source of epidemiologic data. We continue to reach out to and collaborate with our system partners to identify resources and equip dentists to understand their local circumstances.

For more information about interpreting local epidemiology, see Public Health Ontario’s (PHO) Considerations for Community-Based Health Care Workers on Interpreting Local Epidemiology.

In this document, PHO identifies several resources to assist healthcare workers, including:

Additionally, dentists may wish to consult the following information from Ministry of Health:

Where can I access information about vaccination for myself and my dental office employees? 

The College has also produced information for dentists on supporting COVID-19 vaccination efforts. 

The Ministry has provided an updated document on Guidance for Prioritizing Health Care Workers for COVID-19 Vaccination.

This document assigns priority for vaccination of health care workers (HCWs), from highest priority to very high priority, high priority, and moderate priority. Dentistry has been placed in the very high priority level.

Vaccination will be coordinated by local Public Health Units (LPHUs). Click here for information from local public health units on vaccinations for oral health workers.  

A list of LPHUs and their contact information is available here (http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/common/system/services/phu/locations.aspx). 

To determine the LPHU region for your dental office, you may refer to this tool (https://www.phdapps.health.gov.on.ca/PHULocator/Default.aspx). 

COVID-19 RCDSO Updates

July 2021

June 2021

May 2021

April 2021

February 2021

January 2021

December 2020

November 2020

October 2020

September 2020

July 2020

June 2020

May 2020

April 2020

March 2020

COVID-19 Health Care Provider Recruitment 

The Ontario Ministry of Health is looking for part-time or retired health care workers to assist with the COVID-19 crisis. In particular, the Ministry is seeking:

  • Current and former members of Ontario’s regulated health professions and the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers;
  • Physician assistants; and
  • Personal support workers.

For more information, click here.

Ontario has also launched a website to act as a central point for businesses and organizations who can supply emergency products and innovative solutions to support the province's response to COVID-19.

COVID-19 Updates from the Ministry of Health / Public Health

Ontario’s Ministry of Health regularly releases new guidance on COVID-19. Access regular Ministry updates by clicking here.

Health care providers facing immediate challenges (less than 10 days of supply) with their personal protective equipment supply levels can email the ministry: EOCLogistics.MOH@ontario.ca.

The Ontario Government has developed an online workplace PPE supplier directory, which can be found here.  

The Ministry reports daily to the College on this issue.

The Minister of Health released a statement regarding elective surgeries. 

COVID-19 Sample screening

Refer to our latest guidance for more information.

The Ministry recommends that you:

  1. Screen patients over the phone before scheduling appointments
  2. Post signs in your reception area asking patients with symptoms to identify themselves. 

The Ministry of Health has set up a Health Care Provider Hotline at 1-866-212-2272. Contact practiceadvisory@rcdso.org if you have additional questions.