Current @August 3rd 2020
We just want to reassure our patients, you are STILL permitted to leave home for medical care, including orthodontic care, so there is no reason why you cannot attend your orthodontic appointment. So you can still travel outside the 5km distance from home to attend your appointments with us. Your confirmation SMS is evidence of your appointment if you are stopped.
We are making small modifications to our visit guidelines with the current restrictions in force we are asking that only patients enter the premises with the exception of consultations and patients under the age of 12 who may be accompanied by one parent. In addition, we will be increasing our use of masks and gowns. Our existing hygiene controls are in excess of the requirements and will be maintained at their current high level.
The standard precautions prevail, and if you are unwell with any symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), stay home and get tested. Maintain good hygiene – wash your hands regularly and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Keep your distance – remain at least 1.5 metres away from others.
In case you missed it.
Despite our Melbourne lockdown you are permitted to leave home for medical care, including orthodontic care, so you can still travel outside the 5km distance from home to attend your appointments with us. Your confirmation SMS is evidence of your appointment if you are stopped.
We are making two modifications to our current visit guidelines.
- While the current restrictions are in force, we are asking that ONLY PATIENTS ENTER THE PRACTICE, except for consultations and patients under the age of 12 who may be accompanied by one parent.
- Every person over the age of 12 who enters the practice from Thursday 23rd must wear a mask following direction from the Victorian Government. If you arrive without an appropriate face-covering, we will have to ask you to wait outside.
It is a tricky time for everyone. Please be kind to our staff, we are all simply following Victorian Government guidelines that have been established to keep everyone safe.
Most of all, please don’t be offended if we need to remind you to take a step back, or ask you to wait outside.
Follow this link to read the Victorian Government advice regarding face coverings and what is considered appropriate.
See below for current appointment attendance procedures.
Visiting MOG locations
The National Cabinet, in consultation with the Australian Dental Association, agreed to further downgrade restrictions on dental procedures in May. This allowed us to resume all treatment for our patients!
MOG already had very high infection control standards, however, we increased our regime to enable us to safely continue to fulfil our obligations to you, our patients in treatment, as well as protecting our staff and orthodontists. and there is no reason why you should not attend your appointment. Some of the changes that were in effect previously will continue as outlined below;
Limitation of consultations
Please note that all consultation appointments will be limited to 15 minutes, and the consult room door will be left open during this time.
One parent is welcome to accompany the patient into the consulting room and will be seated away from the clinical area. We will then discuss your child’s orthodontic prognosis with you and set in place a plan for treatment if required.
Only Patients in Practice if Possible
To enable us to safely enact physical distancing in waiting areas, we ask that if possible, only the person with the appointment enters the building.
We ask that for all visits, only the patient enters the clinical area – unless the patient is under the age of 12 then they may be accompanied by an adult.
The exception is during a consultation appointment with an orthodontist, where one parent is also welcome.
Increased infection control procedures
In addition to our regular high standard of infection control & sterilization we have implemented the following;
- We have implemented increased sanitation of hard surfaces in highly trafficked areas such as reception, waiting areas, clinical and consulting rooms.
- Hand sanitation stations are set up at the entrance to the practice, and patients will be advised to use sanitation any time they are required to insert or remove an appliance from their mouth.
- Removal of toothbrushing facilities – It is very important that you please take the time to brush your teeth thoroughly prior to your arrival at MOG as clean teeth are essential in order to conduct your orthodontic adjustment. We may not be able to adequately perform your scheduled appointment if your teeth have not been cleaned thoroughly, and you may be asked to reschedule your appointment. (see the bottom of the post for tips on cleaning your teeth in the car)
- Removal of tea & coffee, magazines & books.
Team member health & safety
- Team members must stay home if they are showing any signs of illness, even if mild, and will not return to work until it is deemed safe to do so by their doctor.
- Increased use of PPE throughout clinical areas as regulations require.
Know the symptoms
As has been the case since the start of the outbreak, we ask that anybody who has been overseas recently, or has been in contact with anybody who is ill, or shows any of the known symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath & sore throat to please refrain from visiting MOG and call to reschedule your appointment.
How can you brush on the go…
With the temporary removal of our toothbrushing stations, if you have not come from home and have not had an opportunity to give your teeth a good clean we recommend you bring some supplies in the car.
- Bottle of water
- Toothpaste
- Travel toothbrush – let us know if you need another MOG travel brush.
- Mouthwash
- Floss
Naturally, you will also need a container to use as a basin that you can seal and take home.
This is of course not ideal – but these are very exceptional times and it is for your safety as well as other patients and team members that we are asking you to take these precautions.
You can find all the latest government updates about COVID19 below. There is a list of exposure places with days and time, please have a look and if you’ve been into any of these places at those times, self isolate when possible or follow measures regarding testing.
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-daily-update
We want to assure every one of our patients – past and present – that we are here for you and will do all we can to help you manage your ongoing braces journey.
If you are concerned at any time, just call your regular MOG location we are always happy to discuss any concerns over the phone or give you advise as to our current standard procedures regarding visits and conducting appointments.
See our FAQ here, these are updated as regulations change.
