Optometrists and dentists are wrestling with whether or not to open on May 4, due to COVID-19 related restrictions. (Submitted photo/Parkview Optometric Services)

By Josh Ryan

Can We Open?

Dentists and optometrists face challenge in opening first

Apr 29, 2020 | 12:40 PM

There’s excitement for dentists and optometrists being in the first group of businesses able to reopen in Saskatchewan on May 4. However, the caveats involved could cause many to delay.

So far, the College of Dental Surgeons of Saskatchewan (CDSS) is allowing dentists in the province to do procedures that do certain emergency procedures, along with some treatments that have no aerosol generation.

However, the current guidelines limit every dental practice in the province for how many costs they can take on. Dr. Sherry Rayburn of Rayburn Dental Studio, said the combination of these measures and required PPE will keep them from opening this coming week.

“It’s almost counter-intuitive to open right now, without being given more lenient guidelines to deal with our patients,” she said. “Or being supplied with the PPE that we need.”

While they’ve secured n-95 masks, Rayburn Dental still requires water proof gowns and face shields prior to opening. Along with limitations on taking in appointments and utilizing rooms, procedures like radio graphs and orthodontic treatment aren’t enough to offset costs.

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“We’re still relegated to simple extractions at the very best; no fillings, no crown, no nothing,” Rayburn said. “And I think we might remain that way until PPE becomes available or the guidelines become more lenient.”

Medical service offices like Rayburn Dental Studio are unable to open until they have the required PPE. (Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW)

Even those ready to open are expecting challenges. Dr. Gerry Brecker of Parkview Optometric Services said they’re taking extreme caution in opening on a restricted basis and delays from cleaning will add to an already extensive workload of taking in appointments, which picked up this week.

“Longer times, more disinfection, to see our patients,” Brecker said. “There’s been a considerable time that’s gone by, so we expect a substantial backlog.”

In order to make sure operations go as smoothly as possible, Brecker said patients will have to do their part. Only patients who call ahead will be allowed in the facility and they must adhere to physical distancing and cleaning practices.

“They will have to disinfect their hands, wear gloves and wear masks,” he said. “These will be provided when they enter the office.”

Despite the challenges, Brecker said his team is excited to get back to work on a less limited capacity.

“It will be great to get back to practice,” he said. “And although it will be limited, we will do our best to accommodate people who are in need.”

That need is what has kept Rayburn busy during the pandemic, with many patients needing help after their antibiotics haven’t had an effect. However, until their situation changes, their ability to provide services to the public remains limited.

“People need help and we want to help them,” Rayburn said. “But there’s not a lot we can do until we have the gear.”

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports