Information and advice around COVID-19 is changing as the Ministry of Health continues to monitor the spread of this virus in our communities. On May 26th, 2020, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health revoked Directive #2 which ordered all non-essential services to cease. It is replaced by Directive #2, issued and effective May 26th, 2020. The directive reflects a gradual restart of all deferred, non-essential and elective services by regulated health professionals, including Registered Dental Technologists (RDTs).
As Health Care Providers, RDTs must ensure that the requirements of the directive can be met prior to resuming practice. This includes the Ministry of Health COVID-19 Operational Requirements: Health Sector Restart and the College’s Return to Practice Guidance and Infection Prevention Control (IPAC) Standard.
The College is pleased to report that the Return to Practice Guidance document is aligned with the COVID-19 Operation Requirements document. However, we ask all RDTs to take the time to carefully review the details provided in the directives and guidance from the Ministry of Health and the Chief Medical Officer of Health as they take precedence.
What does this mean for RDTs?
- You may resume practice and start providing in-person health services when the requirements outlined in the COVID-19 Operational Requirements: Health Sector Restart are met.
- You must ensure appropriate hazard controls and sufficient Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are in place when considering which services can safely resume.
- You should source PPE through the regular supply chain or by using the Ontario government’s PPE Supplier Directory.
- Failure to comply with these directives, requirements, guidelines and College Standards of Practice may be considered professional misconduct and may be subject to the Complaints and Reports process outlined in the Regulated Health Professions Act.
The health and safety of the public which includes patients, health care providers (e.g. RDTs and dentists), and staff in the workplace should always be the top priority. RDTs should only resume services if the additional precautions required in the College’s guidance and the Ministry of Health’s requirements can be met.
As the pandemic continues, we will continue to actively monitor the situation and provide additional guidance and resources by email and on our COVID-19 webpage.
