E-Alert – Media Release August 9th, 2021
For Immediate Release: August 9, 2021
Manitoba dental staff and visitors are required to wear masks.
The Manitoba Dental Association (MDA) regulates dentistry and dental assisting in Manitoba in the public interest.
On August 5, the Province of Manitoba updated its Public Health Orders to loosen some restrictions. Effective August 7, 2021, health care settings, including dental offices, will continue to require mask-wearing. As health care settings, dental clinics will continue to be subject to this requirement.
The MDA acknowledges that Manitoba is moving towards a new phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the pandemic Dental offices in Manitoba have successfully instituted infection control systems to keep Manitobans safe. Being highly trained in infection control, at this time, Manitoba dentists support the directive of continued mask-wearing in dental clinics as in other health care settings in Manitoba.
The combination of infection control procedures and mask-wearing will ensure the safety of all staff, patients and service personnel in dental offices; help minimize the risk of a fourth wave of the virus; and ensure timely access to dental care for Manitobans.
“The priority and obligation of dentists is to protect the public and the dental team,” says MDA president Dr. Chris Cottick. “Along with legislating and setting up strict infection control systems at dental clinics, The MDA strongly encourages the public to make personal and professional decisions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Stay home and get tested if you have flu-like symptoms or have been in contact with someone who has been exposed to COVID-19. Physical distancing and mask wearing are proven to minimize risks of infection.”
“I encourage all Manitobans to stay on top of their dental appointments as well as routine check-ups,” added Dr. Cottick. “Dentists continue to take all necessary precautions to ensure their clinics and offices continue to be safe for patients to visit.”
The MDA’s President Dr. Chris Cottick and Registrar Dr. Arun Misra will continue to provide updated guidance and direction on the safety requirements in dental settings. This information is available to the public on the MDA website.
The Manitoba Dental Association is the legislative self-governing body and voice of the profession of dentistry and dental assistants in Manitoba. “If it is in the best interest of the public then it is the best interest of the profession.” For more information, visit manitobadentist.ca.
For media inquiries and interview opportunities, please contact
Rafi Mohammed, MDA Chief Executive Officer
