GREATER SYDNEY LOCKDOWN: COVID-19 UPDATE - 26 JUNE 2021

Pamela Vergara • June 28, 2021

Dear Valued Patients,

With Greater Sydney including our beloved Central Coast going into lockdown for the next two weeks until 11:59pm on Friday, 09 July 2021 (Update: Extended until Friday, 30 July 2021), you might be wondering what’s going to happen to dental clinics and our regular business hours here in Erina.

Per the NSW Govt advice, providing dental care is an essential reason for leaving home under the stay-at-home-orders. This currently does not require us to shut down our practice during the lockdown. We continue to operate at Level 1 Restrictions which requires the assessment of risk and deferring care if necessary.

Please be assured that we have our COVID safety plan and have strict infection control policies in place at all times. Ensuring the safety of our team, visitors and patients is of utmost priority as it has always been.

What does Level 1 mean?

This means we can provide all dental treatments using standard precautions for people who do not meet epidemiological or clinical risk factors for COVID-19 infection transmission.

Where there are patients who DO meet epidemiological or clinical symptom criteria for COVID-19 risk, we are to defer non-urgent treatment.

Level 1 basically means that we must continue to screen patients and only treat those who do not meet the epidemiological and clinical risk factors for COVID-19. It is imperative that we continue to be vigilant in the application of Level 1 restrictions and ensure the safety of our patients, our dental team, and consequently, their families.

Where a risk is identified, the appointment will be deferred to a later date where symptoms or the risks no longer present themselves.

*****

Q: I have an appointment coming up. What should I do?

A:  It is still safe for you to come for your dental appointment. We will see you provided you meet the clinical and epidemiological criteria - meaning you are not experiencing Covid symptoms AND you have not been to an exposure venue as advised by the NSW Health department. AS PART OF OUR PROTOCOL, you will receive a text message from us the day before your scheduled appointment with a link to our Covid screening questionnaire. PLEASE ENSURE YOU COMPLETE THIS BEFORE YOU COME IN TO THE CLINIC. Your temperature will again be checked when you come in.

Q: Do I need to wear a mask even though I’m going to have my mouth open during my appointment?

A: Yes, per the public health order, you are required to wear a mask indoors. Please wear one when you come in and while you are in our waiting room as this is now mandatory for all indoor workplaces in NSW. The only time you may take your mask off is when you are seated on the dental chair. We will provide you with a mouth rinse to help eliminate any lingering germs before we proceed with your dental treatment.

*****

We hope that this somehow gives you some peace of mind regarding a visit to the dentist during the lockdown and during the pandemic. We are closely monitoring any announcements from the NSW Government, the Dental Board of Australia and the Australian Dental Association. Should any changes occur in the coming days, we will adhere to any directives accordingly and let you know.

If you have any questions and/or concerns, please call our office on 02 4367 6222 during office hours. You may also send us a SMS on our textable number at 0488 852 239 and we will endeavour to respond as soon as practicable.

In the meantime, please stay safe and well! Hopefully the kids on school holidays will find something to entertain themselves with too!

Take care,

Pam

< Older Post

 Newer Post >
Woman With Straight Teeth Wearing Invisalign

Step-by-step Guide: Your Journey To Straight Teeth With Invisalign

By Pamela Vergara • October 23, 2025
Discover how Invisalign can transform your smile with this easy step-by-step guide. Learn what to expect and start your journey today.
Woman Smiling During Dental Exam — New Leaf Dentists In Erina, NSW

Teeth Whitening Solutions: Which Option Is Right For You?

By Pamela Vergara • September 15, 2025
Explore the benefits of in-chair and at-home whitening options designed to safely brighten your teeth, enhance your smile, and boost confidence.
Woman In Dental Chair, Teeth Examined By Gloved Hands— New Leaf Dentists In Erina, NSW

How Medication Affects Your Oral Health

By Pamela Vergara • September 8, 2025
Find out how common medications can affect your teeth and gums, and learn simple ways to protect your oral health and maintain a healthy smile.
A Person Smiles, Showing Braces On Their Teeth Being Cleaned — New Leaf Dentists In Erina, NSW

Why Teeth Straightening Is More Than Just A Beautiful Smile

By Pamela Vergara • August 27, 2025
Teeth straightening does more than improve appearance — it enhances bite alignment, oral hygiene, and overall dental health for lasting results.
Person Holding A Dental Mold, Applying Adhesive — New Leaf Dentists In Erina, NSW

Why You Should Skip The Wait: The Benefits of On-Site Dental Milling

By Pamela Vergara • July 10, 2025
Learn how same-day crowns created with on-site dental milling offer precise, durable, and natural-looking results, all completed in one visit.
Dentist Matching a Tooth Shade Guide to a Patient's Teeth — New Leaf Dentists In Erina, NSW

How Cosmetic Dentistry Can Transform Your Smile

By Pamela Vergara • April 30, 2025
Discover how treatments like veneers, bonding, and whitening can rejuvenate your smile, restore symmetry, and boost your overall confidence.
A Dentist is Talking to a Patient in a Dental Office — New Leaf Dentists in Erina, NSW

Enhance Your Appearance with Dental Veneers: A Step-by-Step Guide

By Pamela Vergara • January 9, 2025
Discover the potential benefits of investing in dental veneers and our unique step by step process with the latest dental technology and materials.
A Dentist is Talking to a Patient in a Dental Office — New Leaf Dentists in Erina, NSW

5 Warning Signs Of Gum Disease You Shouldn’t Ignore

By Pamela Vergara • November 13, 2024
Gum disease can impact sleep quality and overall health. Discover how dental treatments can help manage symptoms and improve wellness. Learn more.
A Lunch Box Filled With Sandwiches, Fruits and Vegetables — New Leaf Dentists in Erina, NSW

4 Healthy Eating Habits for Stronger Teeth and Gums

By Pamela Vergara • October 22, 2024
This blog post delves into how certain eating habits can significantly enhance oral health. Read on to learn more about us!
A Woman is Sleeping in a Bed With an Oxygen Mask on Her Face — New Leaf Dentists in Erina, NSW

Sleep Apnoea: How Your Dentist Can Help

By Pamela Vergara • July 8, 2024
Learn how your dentist can help manage sleep apnea and improve your quality of life. Read our blog for expert insights and solutions today.
Show More