Alberta dentists are under a mandatory suspension of all non-emergency services, effective immediately.

The announcement which was made on Tuesday afternoon by the Alberta Dental Association and College, states that any non-urgent services are on hold due to the COVID-19 outbreak, however, dentists are still able to provide emergency treatments.

The statement from the Alberta Dental Association and College reads:

"Dentists in Alberta have a duty to prevent exposure to infection from COVID-19. If risks are identified that cannot be immediately or succinctly mitigated, the determined care must be postponed or referred to an appropriate provider."

Before treating any emergency dental work, a prescreening of patients will be conducted over the phone to assess any associated risks to the patient, oral health care provider and the public.