As the COVID-19 situation in Western Australia is continually changing, these pages will be updated regularly.
Regular updated information specific to WA will be forwarded to members via email and uploaded on these pages. The Department of Health’s website includes COVID-19 information for health professionals: Department of Health (WA).
Image dentalstockphotos.com
The State Government has released the following guides.
Click on the images below to download the PDFs.
All healthcare workers who test positive to COVID-19 must isolate for 7 days from the time of confirmation of a positive COVID-19 status.Many individuals may only have minimal to no symptoms during this time, but a 7 day isolation is mandatory.
After the 1 week isolation, the individual must wear a mask both indoors and outdoors for 7 days. If symptoms persist after 7 days of isolation; remain in isolation or see a medical practitioner for medical clearance.
The critical healthcare worker furloughing rules only apply to asymptomatic close contacts who are fully vaccinated.
As the COVID-19 cases continue to remain high in WA,workplaces will be alerted to patients who have tested positive to COVID-19soon after attending their appointment at your practice.
You will not be designated a close contact if:
* A surgical mask is a minimum requirement
People who have recovered from COVID-19 do not need to be tested for COVID-19 within the 12 weeks following the completion of their required isolation, including if they have symptoms that are consistent with COVID-19, are told they are a close contact, or are tested for workplace screening.
A recent case who develops symptoms associated with COVID-19 within 12 weeks should remain at home until symptoms resolve and seek advice from their healthcare provider, if required.
A recent case is not considered a close contact and does not require testing or quarantine.
Despite not being considered a close contact during the 12 week post-COVID-19 infection, it is recommended to continue to wear appropriate PPE as part of your continued risk mitigating practices in your workplace.
Further information is available in the Directions and on the HealthyWA Close contact and Quarantine and isolation pages.
According to AHPRA: “The National Boards expect all healthcare practitioners to facilitate access to care regardless of someone’s vaccination status.”
Practices have an obligation to provide a safe workplace. A risk-based approach to practice is required to protect patients, staff and you, the practitioner.
You must be undertaking a thorough pre-appointment COVID screening. In addition, as part of your overall risk assessment, you may wish to consider some of the following:
If all risk-based steps are insufficient and there are no other reasonable options in your practice to protect patients, staff and you, then as a last resort, politely explain your practice situation and facilitate a referral to a practice willing to treat your patient.
If you are contemplating a policy to exclude unvaccinated patients from your practice, be very aware you could be open to accusations of direct or indirect discrimination. You should seek professional legal advice or contact ADAWA before you instigate such a policy.
Mask wearing is mandatory in indoor settings in Perth, Peel, South-West, Wheatbelt and the Great Southern. If a patient refuses to wear a mask:
After careful consideration, as a last resort, you may have to respectfully decline care, particularly in cases of adverse patient behaviour.
You can request to view the medical exemption.
If they do have an exemption, follow all social distancing measures and all your practice’s risk prevention protocols to protect staff and other patients. You may need to politely request the patient wait outside, until the dentist is ready. When the patient enters, it would be reasonable to ensure a vacant waiting room and reception area.
Be aware, children under 12 years are also exempt.
If the patient declines your request to view their exemption certificate, politely ask them to wait outside and enter the waiting room and reception area when the dentist is ready.
After careful consideration, as a last resort, for those patients who will not cooperate with the above measures, you may have to respectfully decline care, particularly in cases of adverse patient behaviour.
There has been no public direction across any state jurisdictions that has required asymptomatic dental patients to present COVID-negative test results prior to receiving dental care.
If a patient is displaying any known COVID symptoms and is in any way unwell, treatment should be delayed, irrespective of a negative RA test. The patient should be referred for a PCR test. Importantly, the RA Test is a supplement to your existing screening protocols, rather than a diagnostic tool.
Members are advised to seek professional legal advice or direction from ADAWA before introducing a practice policy that mandates all patients present a negative COVID test prior to seeking care.
Please fill in the order form and email to Amare at wasales@amare.com.au
Alternatively, phone (08) 9329 9533 to order.
3M 1870+ Flat Fold Particulate Respirator & Surgical Mask, N95/P2 (20 per box), from Amare.
3M 9320A+ Aura Particulate Respirator P2 (20 per box), from Amare.
A 10% ADAWA member discount will be applied at the point of sale, with no limits on order quantity.
AMA Medical Products has added two additional TGA approved point of care* Rapid Antigen Test kits for sale to ADAWA members.
ORder RAT KitsHelp-it P2/FFP2 Respirator Duckbill Mask (50 per box)