COVID-19

Frequently Asked Questions


Are masks required in dental practices?

As of 6pm on the 31st of October 2022 there are no longer any Public Health Directions in effect requiring you to wear a face mask. As a result of this, patients and visitors in waiting and treatment rooms and staff operating outside of clinical duties are no longer required to wear face masks.

It is recommended you wear a mask if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19, have symptoms or are a close contact. 

Each individual practice can have their own policies on mask wearing.

Please monitor COVID-19 updates from the Queensland Government, here.

If I test positive to COVID-19 am I allowed to attend work?

The mandatory isolation requirements for persons who test positive to COVID-19 have been lifted. However, national advice for COVID-19 positive persons is that they should stay home when sick and until at least:
• 24 hours has lapsed since their last fever episode (without the use of fever reducing medications); and 
• There is significant improvement in their acute respiratory symptoms (including new or worsening: cough, breathing difficulties, sore throat, or runny nose/nasal congestion).

It will be a matter for individual practices to decide how they manage COVID-19 positive staff and patients.

Please monitor COVID-19 updates from the Queensland Government, here.

What do I do if a patient attends the practice and advises they have tested positive to COVID-19?

The mandatory isolation requirements for persons who test positive to COVID-19 have been lifted however, the national advice is to stay home when you are sick until your symptoms have ceased.

It will be a matter for individual practices to decide how they manage COVID-19 positive staff and patients.

Please monitor COVID-19 updates from the Queensland Government, here.

Are we still required to ask patients screening questions?

The Queensland Government has removed all requirements around screening patients. This is now up to the individual practice on whether they still would like to ask screening questions.

It is the individual practice's decision to screen patients.

Please monitor COVID-19 updates from the Queensland Government, here.

Are dental practice staff required to be vaccinated?

The Queensland Government advised from 6pm, 2 September 2022 the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for people working in primary care, private hospitals and private allied health ended. This includes private dental practice. 

Individual practice's can have their own policies surrounding their staff being vaccinated.

We recommend you consult with your employer about any employment or practice requirements. This includes Queensland Health staff who may be required to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations.

More information on the changes to vaccine requirements, here.

Please monitor COVID-19 updates from the Queensland Government, here.


Where can I find current COVID-19 information?

Please monitor COVID-19 updates from the Queensland Government, here.

If you have a questions about COVID-19, you can contact the Queensland Health COVID-19 Hotline, at 134 COVID (13 42 68).

For healthcare settings, Queensland Health has implemented the “COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control Manual For acute and non-acute healthcare settings”, which outlines recommended minimum requirements for managing patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and other acute respiratory illnesses in healthcare settings (‘The Manual’). Importantly, Appendix 6 of the Manual provides a framework for deciding whether to escalate or de-escalate the use of PPE in community healthcare, which includes private dental practice. This resource is a recommendation only but may be used by dental practitioners to decide on appropriate PPE levels.


COVID-19 Resources


Resources for Dental Practitioners

ADAQ COVID-19 Email Updates

In response to the ever-changing COVID-19 regulations, ADAQ has been sending email updates to Members. Please view each email by clicking on the dates below:

Regulatory and insurance advice - Jodie Baker.

Regulatory advice - Jodie Baker.

Update from the Office of the Health Ombudsman.

Caring for yourself and colleagues 

During events such as the current coronavirus situation, it is important for Dentists and practice staff to take care of themselves and take the opportunity to debrief with colleagues. Here are some resources to help you:

If you require additional support, services are available, ADAQ Members have access to the Member Assistance Program.

Members Assistance Program

This is a free and confidential psychological support service available to ADAQ Members, delivered by Workplace Wellness.  

The service also provides a range of resources on mental wellbeing including newsletters, factsheets and podcasts. 

For more information on this program, click here.

For further support 

If you need information beyond what is available on this site or direct support, you can contact ADA Federal on 02 8815 3333 or via email at [email protected].

For information on HR regulations you can visit the ADA Federal HR Hub

The ADAQ Compliance and Advisory Services Team can assist you with regulatory requirements, contact via email at [email protected]

The ADAQ Practice Services, Training and Consultancy Team can assist you with infection control and practice training resources, contact via email at [email protected]

To contact ADAQ directly, please call 07 3252 9866 or email [email protected]