Customers turned up for treatment in force yesterday after the University of Otago’s dental clinics reopened.
The clinics are still operating under Level 2 restrictions which means treatment by appointment only, minimising the congregation of people in the waiting area and other safety protocols.
Clinical director Don Schwass confirmed yesterday morning was busy.
More people were seeking treatment but staff had to be careful to maintain an orderly and safe service, including protecting the more vulnerable patients and screening for risk.
The university’s health clinics, including the Faculty of Dentistry, have been reopening in phases after the lockdown. Services have slowly ramped up.
Emergency procedures were carried out during the lockdown and low-risk normal dentistry resumed under Level 2.
The faculty advertised that its general practices would return to action yesterday.
A big demand for dental treatment was expected and that was what happened.
Dr Schwass said the public had been co-operative in adhering to procedures, including temperature checks and answering Covid-related questions.
‘‘The vast majority of people are, thankfully, low-risk.’’
