CDSS Alert – COVID-19 Pandemic: IPC Interim Protocol Update. oralhealthgroup.com, Apr 29: All CDSS members are required to review this CDSS Alert as CDSS members transition to Non-Emergency Dental Care. Some oral health care facilities may choose to remain closed due to shortage of PPE or recent facility requirement changes. Read more
Gowns, hairnets and no small talk: Sask. dentist says patients can expect big changes. cbc.ca, Apr 29: Dr. Parviz Yazdani says your next trip to the dentist in Saskatchewan will be completely different. Yazdani, a dentist in Saskatoon, said once his office reopens May 4, safeguards will be in place to guarantee everyone's safety. Read more
Concerns raised about lack of PPE ahead of May 4 dentistry restart. meadowlakenow.com, Apr 28: A Prince Albert dentist wants the public to note the profession is not as ready as some might think for a return to work on May 4, citing a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE). Read more
N.B. COVID-19 roundup: Province expands testing protocols after 10th day of no new cases. cbc.ca, Apr 28: Dental offices could have whole new drill when they reopen. Shields, gowns and temperature checks are likely to be part of the regular drill when dentists offices reopen in three to four weeks. Paul Blanchard, executive director of the New Brunswick Dental Society, says dental offices are working out protocols for reopening. Read more
P.E.I. announces plan to ease COVID-19 restrictions; first new case in 13 days. altantic.ctvnews.ca, Apr 28: Details of phase two, tentatively starting May 22: Additional non-urgent health-care services including registered massage therapists, acupuncturists, acupressurists and emergency dental care services. Read more
'It's been hell': COVID-19 restrictions leave woman with broken tooth in pain. cbc.ca, Apr 28: ... Dr. Martin R. Gillis, registrar of the Provincial Dental Board of Nova Scotia, said the board is "very sympathetic" to the dental needs of Nova Scotians during the pandemic. Read more
Dentists say PPE shortage, 'aerosol' concerns could delay reopening of services. cbc.ca, Apr 24: The provincial government announced Thursday that medical services, including dental clinics, will be allowed to resume in the first phase of its plan to re-open the provincial economy next month. Read more
Les services dentaires pourraient écoper du manque d'équipements de protection. ici.radio-canada.ca, 25 avril : Les dentistes de la Saskatchewan s’inquiètent de l'effet de la pénurie d'équipements de protection individuelle sur la réouverture des centres de soins dentaires, qui pourrait être remise au-delà du 4 mai, date prévue dans le plan de relance économique graduelle du gouvernement provincial. Lire plus
Many northern B.C. residents face long drives to access emergency dental care. cbc.ca, Apr 25: A shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) has forced most dental clinics in northern B.C. to close, meaning residents either need to wait for their dental appointments, travel hundreds of kilometres to the nearest emergency clinic or, in severe cases, head to the nearest hospital. Read more
Manitoba's medical providers hope they can reopen, safely and slowly, in coming weeks. cbc.ca, Apr 24: Manitoba dentists are hoping a potential reintroduction of service would be slow and careful, starting with more serious needs like broken teeth or serious toothaches. Read more
Coronavirus: New Brunswick to roll out plan to reopen businesses under a ‘new normal’. globalnews.ca, Apr 26: …“The first phase will probably be the dentist offices and professional offices similar to what they did in Saskatchewan, the next phase will probably go into the hairdressing and salons,” said McCormack. Read more
Updated guidance on emergency and urgent care during COVID-19. rcdso.org, Apr 24: The following updated guidance provides direction for Ontario dentists on the provision of emergency and urgent dental care during the current State of Emergency. Read more
B.C. dentists face mask shortage, other challenges before reopening. citynews1130.com, Apr 23: It may be months before routine check-ups are possible as B.C. dentists continue to face challenges ahead of reopening offices. Read more
Ottawa offers rent relief for businesses as some provinces plan to reopen economies. cbc.ca, Apr 24: Loan program would cover up to 75% of commercial rent costs. Read more
Ottawa aidera les PME à payer leur loyer. ici.radi-canada.ca, 24 avril : Le plan consiste à leur offrir des prêts pouvant couvrir jusqu’à 75 % de leur loyer par l’entremise de la Société canadienne d’hypothèques et de logement. Une partie du prêt serait non-remboursable. Lire plus
Small businesses fear banks are freezing them out of a government-backed pandemic loan program. cbc.ca, Apr 24: Some Canadian banks are looking to make changes to their loan criteria so that small businesses hit hard by COVID-19 can access a new loan program designed by the government to help them, says Export Development Canada. Read more
The COVID-19 Strategic Recovery Plan. success.ada.org, Apr: As we continue to move through the COVID-19 crisis it is essential that you begin to give some thought to the recovery phase. Practices that have thought ahead and have a plan will recover faster and better. Read more
Dental care and oral health under the clouds of COVID-19. eurekalert.org, Apr 24: JDR Clinical & Translational Research has published an invited commentary by researchers…on dental care and the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), including the provision of dental care and protecting patients and staff during the pandemic. Read more
Dental offices begin to reopen with caution. owensborotimes.com, Apr 29: Under the guidelines from the Kentucky Board of Dentistry, patients will wait in their cars to be called to the treatment area rather than sit in the waiting room. Only a parent or guardian of children or special needs adults are allowed to accompany patients into the office. Read more
Will I Be Able To See A Dentist Before A Coronavirus Vaccine Is Available? forbes.com, Apr 28: But moving forward as we navigate the pandemic, many questions arise about the logistics of opening dental offices again. Read more
Dental Hygienists Are Terrified of Returning to Work. vice.com, Apr 28: Would you want to stick your hands in someone's mouth right now? Dental hygienists are being pressured to do so for routine cleanings. Read more
ADA task force assembles interim guidance toolkit for dentists returning to work. ada.org, Apr 27: Resource covers pre-appointment screenings, reception area preparation. Read more
COVID-19 State Mandates and Recommendations. success.ada.org, Apr: This state-by-state list and interactive map help clear up the confusion with the latest updates on recommendations and mandates in your area, as well as how they impact the dental profession. Read more
State issues guidelines for resuming dental practice. arktimes.com, Apr 25: Dental surgery may resume Monday under separate procedures for elective surgery. Read more
Oklahoma Board of Dentistry on board with Gov. Stitt’s plan to reopen economy, will not restrict dental procedures. kfor.com, Apr 25: A Board of Dentistry news release states that the board will not extend any COVID-19 related restrictions for dental offices or procedures beyond April 30. Read more
Confusion Surrounds Reopening For Dentists After Stay-At-Home Order Lifted. denver.cbslocal.com, Apr 24: The field of dentistry has particularly unique issues it must address in order to keep employees and patients safe. Read more
Dentists in dire need of support, says dental association chief. irishtimes.com, Apr 26: Profession ‘collapsing’ under strain of restrictions and government help needed urgently. Read more
Coronavirus: 400,000 Kiwis miss out on dental care, warning of patient price hikes. stuff.co.nz, Apr 24: The New Zealand Dental Association claims the closures are because of a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) being provided by district health boards. The association said dentists wanting to open under Alert Level 3 were having to turn to the scarce overseas PPE market to meet demand. Read more
Prognosis: Dentistry at ‘Virtual Standstill’ and 2021 Isn’t Safe Either. bloomberg.com, Apr 23: The American Dental Association warned that the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic’s unprecedented impact is likely to slash dental spending into 2021, a stark warning that contrasts with some optimism of a quick recovery. Read more
Dental groups seek federal approval to administer COVID-19 tests. ada.org, Apr 22: Coalition says point-of-care testing will lower health risks, relieve emergency departments. Read more
U.S. dentists seeking to conduct coronavirus testing face regulatory, supply hurdles. reuters.com, Apr 22: … North American Dental Group …wants to provide diagnostic testing in all of its approximately 250 facilities across 15 states, the company told Reuters. This week, it launched a small pilot program in New York state, epicenter of the U.S. epidemic. Other dental groups are considering following suit. Read more
Dentists organization prepares COVID-19 guidelines ahead of May 4 return. wowt.com, Apr 22: Nebraska's 1,500 dentists are poised to head back to work in less than two weeks, but it will be different — for the dentist, the staff, and patients, too. The Nebraska Dental Association's annual convention was supposed to begin Wednesday night in La Vista, but that didn't happen. The Board of Trustees did meet this afternoon, however, to come up with new guidelines and best practices for treating patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more
Utah governor reopens dental offices and surgery centers while unveiling new COVID-19 tracking app. cachevalleydaily.com, Apr 22: Gov. Gary Herbert announced that dental offices can immediately reopen and elective surgeries can resume throughout the state. Read more
'Definitely afraid of coming back': Dental professionals concerned about reopening too soon. ketv.com, Apr 21: 'Definitely afraid of coming back': Some Nebraska health professionals are finding Gov. Pete Ricketts' plan to allow for dentists, eye doctors and elective surgeries to return May 4, a little hard to swallow. Read more
Dentists left to fill their coffers after lockdown. easterneye.biz, Apr 23: The body which represents dentists in the UK says it is disappointed with the government directive that self-employed members who earn more than £50,000 will not get help from a Covid-19 grant scheme. Read more
Coronavirus: What's happening in Canada and around the world Wednesday. cbc.ca, Apr 29: Manitoba reopening strategy expected to be announced at COVID-19 update today. Ontario reports fewest new COVID-19 cases since April 7. Alberta grants COVID-19 rule exemptions in fight against Fort McMurray flood. 'That's not much of a discount': Why some auto insurers still aren't cutting rates for all during pandemic. INTERACTIVE | See the latest data on coronavirus cases in Canada. Read more
COVID-19 au Canada : ce que vous devez savoir aujourd’hui. ici.radio-canada.ca, 29 avril: Frappées de plein fouet par la paralysie de l'économie, près du tiers des entreprises canadiennes accusent des pertes de plus de 40 % de leurs revenus. Pendant que la situation se stabilise en Ontario, au Québec, plus de 200 militaires de la base de Valcartier seront déployés dans les CHSLD de Montréal. Voici ce que vous devez savoir aujourd’hui. Lire plus
People are getting COVID-19 by community transmission, but Ontario knows little about how. cbc.ca, Apr 29 [ANALYSIS]: As governments plan to relax restrictions, experts say it's crucial to learn more about transmission sources. Read more
Ontario public health units report 2.8% jump in new cases; Ottawa to provide up to $5,000 for volunteer students. thestar.com, Apr 29: The latest: Ontario paramedics added to list of front-line workers to get pay raise; Three staff test positive at Toronto daycare. Read more
'A race against the disease': Canadian researchers part of global effort to develop COVID-19 vaccine. cbc.ca, Apr 27: In the quiet of the University of Saskatchewan's shuttered campus, there is one constant beacon of light and hope. Dr. Volker Gerdts and his team of researchers are working in shifts around the clock to find a vaccine for the novel coronavirus — and feeling the pressure to move even faster. Read more
Canada's top doctor warns against relying on herd immunity to reopen economy. cbc.ca, Apr 25: Canada's top doctor says there isn't enough evidence to back herd immunity as a way to reopen society, as Quebec's premier is considering the approach to restart his province's economy. Read more
London, Ont., researchers studying loss of smell in COVID-19 patients as part of global initiative. globalnews.ca, Apr 24: According to a statement released by Western University on Friday, the researchers are asking individuals with confirmed or presumptive cases of COVID-19 worldwide to participate in a survey to better understand this symptom of the novel coronavirus disease. Read more
The coming flu season could make the pandemic worse. Is Canada ready for it? cbc.ca, Apr 26: As countries compete ferociously for resources to fend off the COVID-19 pandemic, the government of Canada may want to start planning ahead for the next viral wave set to sweep over the planet: the annual influenza season. Read more
Le vaccin contre la grippe saisonnière pour combattre une seconde vague de COVID-19. ici.radio-canada.ca, 26 avril : Les virologues et les spécialistes des maladies infectieuses affirment que l’efficacité du vaccin contre la grippe saisonnière 2020 sera cruciale pour réduire l'impact d'une possible deuxième vague de COVID-19. Lire plus
COVID-19 can be spread by building ventilation, argue Canadian researchers working on an HVAC fix. nationalpost.com, Apr 26: A group of Alberta researchers are working on ways that buildings could change their HVAC set-ups to curb the risk of infection. Read more
Canada says one million face masks from China failed to meet proper standards, won’t be sent to provinces. theglobeandmail.com, Apr 23: The Canadian government says about one million of the face masks it has purchased from China have failed to meet proper standards for health care professionals and will not be distributed to provinces or cities. Canada is facing competition from countries around the world for protective medical gear right now, the federal Department of Health said, adding that Ottawa is forced at times to purchase vital equipment from unfamiliar suppliers. Read more
Provinces will decide when to reopen their economies, Trudeau says. cbc.ca, Apr 23: Now that Saskatchewan has announced its plan to slowly reopen its economy, pressure is mounting on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the federal government to roll out a strategy for restoring economic activity across the country. [...] Trudeau said that until Canada gets a vaccine, life here will not return to normal — but in the coming months restrictions will be eased across the country on a province-by-province basis. Read more
Coronavirus: Canadian company close to testing vaccine on humans. toronto.citynews.ca, Apr 23: In Canada, researchers are rising to the challenge in remarkable ways and one company is already moving towards the testing stages of a vaccine candidate. Read more
Free online 'threat blocker' launched in Canada as successful COVID-19 scams multiply. cbc.ca, Apr 23: As the number of successful pandemic-related scams continues to grow online, Canada's cyber spy agency is helping to launch a new — and free — threat-blocking tool for all Canadians to use. Read more
How Canada’s crucial data gaps are hindering the coronavirus pandemic response. theglobeandmail.com, Apr 23: ‘We have the will, we have the expertise, but we don’t have the data': Nationally, the lack of coronavirus-related health and economic data is stalling efforts to analyze the fast-moving COVID-19 crisis. Read more
PM Trudeau unveils $1.1 billion national COVID-19 medical and research strategy. ctvnews.ca, Apr 23: With increased testing and further understanding of the virus deemed necessary before reopening the Canadian economy, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal government is spending an additional $1.1 billion for a national medical and research strategy to address COVID-19. Read more
Canadian company SaNOtize Research aims to limit COVID-19 spread with nasal spray. theglobeandmail.com, Apr 22: The company…announced on Wednesday that it has received approval from Health Canada to begin a clinical trial of its method, which hinges on the delivery of nitric oxide gas to the upper-respiratory tract. Read more
New research aims to use CT scans to better diagnose COVID-19. tricitynews.com, Apr 22: Vancouver-based radiologists are at the helm of an international study that aims to better predict the presence of COVID-19 using CT scans. Read more
Smoking, vaping could be COVID-19 risk factors: Alberta's top doctor. calgaryherald.ca, Apr 22: Alberta’s top doctor is urging smokers to quit, as new research suggests smoking and vaping can increase both the risk of contracting COVID-19 and of having more serious complications from the virus. Read more
UV light could kill COVID in PPE masks, North Shore company says. biv.com, Apr 22: A North Vancouver company is poised to become the first in Canada certified to sterilize personal protective equipment using ultraviolet light to kill COVID-19. Read more
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). who.int, Apr 28: Situation report - 99. Read more
Live updates: As ‘quarantine fatigue’ spreads, Fauci says second wave of coronavirus is ‘inevitable’. washingtonpost.com, Apr 29: Here are some significant developments: The U.S. economy shrank by 4.8 percent from January through March as it saw the worst slowdown in growth since the Great Recession. Nearly half of the world’s workforce is at risk of losing their incomes as the pandemic continues to disrupt lives and economies around the globe, a U.N. agency warned. Results from antibody tests support the consensus that the novel coronavirus is significantly more lethal than the seasonal flu. Read more
How China is ruthlessly exploiting the coronavirus pandemic it helped cause. vox.com, Apr 28: Instead of looking to make amends, Beijing is taking advantage of the chaos to pursue its long-term foreign policy goals more aggressively. Read more
Arthritis drug shows early promise in severe COVID-19 cases: study. ctvnews.ca, Apr 28: The arthritis drug tocilizumab has shown early promise in preventing extreme inflammation in gravely ill COVID-19 patients, according to a French clinical study. Read more
CDC adds six more symptoms for coronavirus. thehill.com, Apr 25: The new symptoms for the disease are chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell, the CDC said. Read more
‘Landmark collaboration’ to make COVID-19 testing and treatment available to all. news.un.org, Apr 24: World leaders, scientists, humanitarians and private sector partners united on Friday in “a landmark collaboration” that will make new tools and medicines to diagnose and treat COVID-19, accessible to people everywhere. Read more
'No Evidence' Yet That Recovered COVID-19 Patients Are Immune, WHO Says. npr.org, Apr 25: In a scientific brief dated Friday, the United Nations agency said the idea that one-time infection can lead to immunity remains unproven and is thus unreliable as a foundation for the next phase of the world's response to the pandemic. Read more
Unreliable antibody tests flood the market as FDA waives quality reviews. politico.com, Apr 27: Some are giving too many false positive results, which could mislead some people into thinking they have already been infected. Read more
Abbott’s Fast COVID Test Poses Safety Issues, Lab Workers Say. khn.org, Apr 23: Lab personnel say worries are mounting over the safety of a rapid coronavirus test by Abbott Laboratories that President Donald Trump has repeatedly lauded ― particularly, the risk of infection to those handling it. Read more
EXCLUSIVE-Trial of Gilead's potential coronavirus treatment running ahead of schedule -researcher. reuters.com, Apr 24: Preliminary findings from the randomized trial of the antiviral drug remdesivir, begun in February by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), could come even sooner. Read more
China seizes over 89 million shoddy face masks. ctvnews.ca, Apr 26: China has confiscated over 89 million poor quality face masks…as Beijing faces a slew of complaints about faulty protective gear exported worldwide. Read more
FDA: Improper use of hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine for COVID-19 may increase risk for arrhythmias, death. healio.com, Apr 24: The drugs, which can be used to treat hospitalized patients with COVID-19, may lead to adverse events including ventricular tachycardia, QT interval prolongation, ventricular fibrillation and death in some cases, according to a MedWatch alert from the FDA. Read more
Gilead's coronavirus drug flops in first major trial. axios.com, Apr 23: Remdesivir…that is being tested on coronavirus patients, "was not associated with clinical or virological benefits," according to a leaked summary of a randomized trial posted by the World Health Organization. Read more
AstraZeneca pilots diabetes drug as potential COVID-19 treatment. reuters.com, Apr 23: Britain’s AstraZeneca is testing a diabetes drug as a potential treatment for COVID-19 patients who also had existing heart and kidney problems. Read more
Inside the Anti-Coronavirus Arsenal: The Latest Tests, Treatments, and Vaccines. thedailybeast.com, Apr 23: From sewage to stem cells and proning to plasma, researchers are racing to stop the novel coronavirus in its tracks. Read more
Coronavirus Antibody Test: What Is It And What Does It Reveal? huffingtonpost.ca, Apr 23: Experts share what you need to know about the blood tests that show a COVID-19 infection and possible immunity. Read more
Why are nicotine patches being tested on coronavirus patients? pennlive.com, Apr 22: Could a substance in tobacco, possibly nicotine, lower the risk of patients who smoke from catching COVID-19? Read more
COVID-19 vaccine researchers say pandemic lockdown placing many serious obstacles to their work. nationalpost.com, Apr 22: Inflated prices, backlogged supplies, limited government grants and battles with university administration are among the challenges they face. Read more
Scientists Are Calling For Vaccine Experiments That Would Deliberately Infect People With The Novel Coronavirus. buzzfeednews.com, Apr 22: “Normally, deliberately giving someone an infection that is potentially lethal would be unacceptable,” one bioethicist said. “But in extreme times, like a plague, you might look to extreme measures.” Read more
Nearly 15% of Ontario’s local public health units lack a permanent medical officer of health. ipolitics.ca, Apr 24: As Ontario grapples with COVID-19, nearly 15 per cent of its public health units lack a permanent medical officer of health — with acting medical officers filling the top post, in some cases, for years. Read more
Putting off kids' vaccines during COVID-19 heightens risk of other outbreaks. cbc.ca, Apr 24: Doctors are worried measles, whooping cough and other preventable illnesses could surge. Read more
'We're really at a tipping point': COVID-19 brings research into other medical conditions to a grinding halt. cbc.ca, Apr 23: 'All of our research has basically stopped,' says family of toddler with rare genetic condition. Read more
Do I need to floss my teeth? theconversation.com, Apr 27: As a dentist, my patients often ask whether they still need to floss even though they brush their teeth. The answer is – that depends. Read more
E-cigarette users experience vascular damage similar to that of smokers of combustible cigarettes. eurekalert.org, Apr 29: Using e-cigarettes damages the arteries and blood vessel function much like smoking traditional cigarettes, according to new research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association. Read more
Smile Direct Club Files Patent Infringement Complaint Against Candid. globenewswire.com, Apr 29: Following confirmation of its patent for SmileShop intellectual property, SDC requests damages, injunction prohibiting copycat model. Read more
Study Shows Daily Use of Pycnogenol® Reduces the Severity of Dry Mouth. media.newswire.ca, Apr 28: New clinical evidence shows the benefits of supplementing with Pycnogenol® French maritime pine bark extract to enhance saliva production and alleviate dry mouth, a condition that affects 10 percent of Americans. Read more
Immune-regulating drug improves gum disease in mice. eurekalert.org, Apr 28: Short-term treatment with rapamycin, a drug used to treat transplant patients, reduces bone loss, inflammation and changes to oral bacteria in older mice with gum disease. Read more
Nanocomposite mouthguard highlights early signs of tooth decay. chemistryworld.com, Apr 27: A mouthguard that can detect the early signs of tooth decay and periodontitis has been developed by researchers from China. Read more
American College of Emergency Physicians endorses ADA's antibiotics guideline. ada.org, Apr 22: Guideline advises against using antibiotics for most pulpal, periapical conditions. Read more
Dalhousie University – Current course offerings
McGill University – Continuing dental education
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry University – Continuing professional development
Université Laval – Formation continue
University of Manitoba – Continuing professional development
Université de Montréal – Formation dentaire continue
University of Alberta – Program and courses
University of British Columbia – Calendar of courses
University of Saskatchewan – Continuing professional dental education
University of Toronto – Continuing dental education
Please let us know about upcoming continuing education meetings that could be of interest to Canadian dentists by emailing us at oasisdiscussions@cda-adc.ca
We invite you to send us leads to news stories worth sharing oasisdiscussions@cda-adc.ca.