A Message for CDA Corporate Member Provincial Dental Associations

Below is a short status update (in English only) from the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) about the COVID-19 pandemic. CDA’s comprehensive COVID-19 update is anticipated for September 24, 2021.

Quick Facts: Current COVID-19 Situational Report

Dr. Aaron Burry, CDA’s COVID-19 Team Lead and Deputy CEO - Professional Affairs, provides a video update on COVID-19 pandemic trends, case growth and the administration of COVID-19 vaccines in Canada and across the world.

Video Length: 15 minutes. Recorded: August 05, 2021.

Reminder: CDA’s areas of focus over the coming months:

• To date, dentistry has demonstrated that dental offices can offer care safely and that infection prevention and control (IPAC) practices are effective, allowing oral health care provision during the pandemic.
• CDA’s next steps involve getting prepared for the Fall as outbreaks should be anticipated in areas of low vaccination. There is a current national media push from the Federal Government, and Provincial Governments are also launching their respective campaigns to encourage more individuals to get fully vaccinated (2 doses). CDA will continue to stress the importance of full vaccination for all dentists and staff in Canada, and promote getting vaccinated on its corporate social media channels.
• CDA anticipates that there will be forthcoming updates to IPAC protocols across the country and related to dentistry. The lead on these updates will likely come from the long-term care (LTC) sector. CDA will communicate further updates as information becomes available.

Mental Health and Wellness:

The Members’ Assistance Program (MAP) is available: Individuals can access mental health and wellness support by calling CDSPI’s Members’ Assistance Program (MAP) at 1.844.578.4040 or visiting www.workhealthlife.com. MAP provides a variety of resources to help individuals deal with life's challenges. It is a confidential counselling, referral and information service for individuals who are dealing with mental health challenges or need advice on topics such as physical fitness, nutrition or parenting. MAP services and resources are offered through Shepell, Canada’s largest provider of Employee and Family Assistance Programs.

Reminder: Check out this tip sheet for 10 things you can do right now to reduce anxiety, stress, worry related to COVID-19.

The CDA COVID-19 Response Team works diligently on a range of fronts to help minimize and mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on the dental profession. CDA is working to address scientific, clinical, economic and business-related matters impacting dentistry, including efforts to increase awareness about the mental health and wellness of dentists, their families and dental office employees during these challenging times. CDA will communicate regular updates as new information becomes available.