Dental clinics urged to adopt COVID-Free Setting as patient number declines

[webfact]

 

By Tanakorn Sangiam

   

BANGKOK (NNT) - The COVID-19 pandemic has led to fewer patients visiting their dentists out of infection concerns. The Department of Health is recommending dental clinics adopt the COVID-Free Setting guideline to boost patients’ confidence.

 

The Department of Health is asking for cooperation from dental clinics in Thailand to adopt the COVID-Free Setting health and hygiene guideline in order to regain patients’ confidence.

 

The department’s Director-General Dr. Suwanchai Wattanayingcharoenchai said the number of visits to dental clinics has seen a decline, with the rate of adults dropping to 33.7% this year from 52.2% in 2020, while the rate of elders declined from 42.4% to 36.5%.

 

He said the implementation of COVID-Free Setting measures at clinics will help ensure safety for both the staff and patients, with a focus on a safe environment and safe practices.

 

The guideline calls for frequent disinfecting of waiting areas, touch surfaces, and x-ray machines every 1-2 hours or after use; the implementation of an appointment system to prevent crowding, and a requirement for all staff members and patients to be fully vaccinated.

 

Patients who have yet to receive their two COVID-19 jabs can still visit the clinics, provided they take a COVID-19 antigen test prior to service.

 

The Ministry of Public Health will be providing free dental services at public dental facilities across the country on 21 October, which is National Dental Hygiene Day.

 

The day marks the birthday of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra. The late Princess was regarded as the mother of Thailand’s dentistry.

 

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-- © Copyright NNT 2021-10-21

 

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[smedly]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to fewer patients visiting their dentists out of infection concerns. The Department of Health is recommending dental clinics adopt the COVID-Free Setting guideline to boost patients’ confidence.

dental work to be limited to feet only lol

[RafPinto]

I went a few times over the last few weeks.

Annoying that she always tried to sell some expensive dental work like implants etc.

 

I told her, I would not do an implant on a whisdom tooth but continued to try to convince me to do this and that.

 

[ClaySmc]

2 hours ago, RafPinto said:

 

I told her, I would not do an implant on a whisdom tooth but continued to try to convince me to do this and that.

You might have been the only  customer she has had this month...

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, smedly said:

dental work to be limited to feet only lol

A bit like massage parlours then. ????

[crazykopite]

They need to bring there prices down I have been quoted 700,000 + baht for all on 4 dentures I could get it cheaper in the U.K. which is what I am planning to do once I am confident enough that I will be able to return to Thailand without all these stupid restrictions

[RafPinto]

2 hours ago, crazykopite said:

They need to bring there prices down I have been quoted 700,000 + baht for all on 4 dentures I could get it cheaper in the U.K. which is what I am planning to do once I am confident enough that I will be able to return to Thailand without all these stupid restrictions

4 dentures?

 

How many jaws you have? 

Or you buy a family package? 2 for you and 2 for the wife.

[Pib]

Quote

Patients who have yet to receive their two COVID-19 jabs can still visit the clinics, provided they take a COVID-19 antigen test prior to service.

The wife and I use two different dental clinics here in Bangkok.  No need to take an antigen test prior to service....neither clinic asks any questions like have you been vaccinated...and only one of them takes your temperature when entering.   It's pretty much same-same as before COVID.

 

 

[MrJ2U]

Unless you're in a bigger city many of these "dental clinics" don't inspire much confidence.

 

Filthy with no soap in the bathrooms.

 

Much better to go to one of the private hospitals. 

 

I find paying a little extra saves a lot in the end.

[thailand49]

When it comes to Dental clinics I don't feel Covid -19 should push them to adopt cleaning procedure they should already been in place covid or no covid.  Many sanitation procedure were established due to H.I.V. many of the recommendation are obvious once a person walks in if you don't see it turn around and walk out.

 

Of course in Thailand everything is based on the Honor system there isn't anyone who will ever check the reason the suggestion or reminder is being renewal " This is Thailand "

Edited October 21, 2021 by thailand49

[HeijoshinCool]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

Director-General Dr. Suwanchai Wattanayingcharoenchai

.

 

His office door must be awfully wide......

 

 

 

.

Edited October 21, 2021 by HeijoshinCool
Stewped spel chekker

[crazykopite]

19 hours ago, RafPinto said:

4 dentures?

 

How many jaws you have? 

Or you buy a family package? 2 for you and 2 for the wife.

One set of complete dentures   I suffer with acid reflux which causes me to throw up if I have a full set of dentures The only way to get around this is not to have a top palette and to have similar to the bottom where the denture fits on your gum 

[charliechoc]

On 10/21/2021 at 4:13 PM, crazykopite said:

They need to bring there prices down I have been quoted 700,000 + baht for all on 4 dentures I could get it cheaper in the U.K. which is what I am planning to do once I am confident enough that I will be able to return to Thailand without all these stupid restrictions

did you get a quote from bumrungrad?

[charliechoc]

On 10/21/2021 at 1:17 PM, RafPinto said:

I went a few times over the last few weeks.

Annoying that she always tried to sell some expensive dental work like implants etc.

Change clinics and find a dentist who is jai dee. Not so money orientated. We have friends who own a clinic in a big tourist city. One dentist working for them is really agressive with cross selling like you describe. The assistants dont like working with that dr. The only reason the boss will not get rid of him is because he does make so much money for the clinic. But they worry about their reputation of course.