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COVID-19 update

We are here to support the health and wellbeing of dental practitioners at all stages, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last updated 2 June 2021
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Note: With the current lockdown in Victoria, some dental practitioners may understandably be experiencing stress or anxiety, we encourage you to reach out if you need a hand, we are here to support you.

Setting up this ongoing support service has been in the works for some time but we felt it important to fast-track the launch due to the pressures many dental practitioners are facing because of COVID-19.

We are here to support you with independent support and counselling 24/7 — through COVID-19 and beyond. All dental practitioners can call us on 1800 377 700. The service is anonymous, confidential and free.

The information here will be updated as the COVID-19 situation evolves. We encourage you to visit our website during this time for a whole range of support options.

Professional
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The professional lives of dental practitioners have been profoundly impacted by COVID-19. While hygiene processes and infection controls have always been tightly maintained and regulated in Australia, they of course have never been more important than they are now for patient and practitioner safety.

For a few months, restrictions limited the capacity to provide dental care and members of the general public, in some instances, are also avoiding treatment. These combined factors have had an impact on dental jobs and businesses.

Whether you are a small business owner, employee of a small business or employee of a large health organisation, we have gathered together a range of resources to help you now and into the future.

Navigating the current public safety rules and regulations, which have the possibility of changing, may be particularly stressful. The following websites are helpful resources to keep an eye on up-to-date guidance:

Personal
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We have all experienced a range of personal challenges brought on by the pandemic. Your specific home and life experiences will determine what these have been and how they affect you. It is okay to not feel okay. The disruption and ongoing concerns we all feel are bound to have an impact. The important thing to remember is that help is available.

Where you live
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Keeping track of what is happening locally is also important. Each Australian state or territory has different COVID-19 guidance and lockdown restrictions. Find specific information for your state or territory:

Other links and resources
On other sites
The National Debt Helpline COVID-19 financial survival guide
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This guide offers advice on steps to take and where to find support if you are struggling financially during the pandemic.
Beyond Blue: Looking after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak
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Beyond Blue recognises and understands the feelings of anxiety, distress and concern many people may be experiencing in relation to COVID-19.
ABC Coronacast (podcast)
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Coronacast is a podcast that helps to answer your questions about COVID-19*. The podcast breaks down the latest news and research to help you understand how the world is living through a pandemic. *COVID-19 is an acronym created by the World Health Organization that stands for the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).
Mindfulness for wellbeing and peak performance
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Learn mindfulness techniques to reduce stress and improve your wellbeing and work/study performance in this online course.
Black Dog Institute
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The importance of self-care planning during COVID-19.
Head to Health
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The connections you make through relationships, places, and social activities can help to build a safety net for your physical and mental health. Healthy connections with family, friends, partners and co-workers, and having a pet, are known to lower levels of anxiety and depression, and raise self-esteem.
Five ways to flip frustration into kindness — ABC Life
Description
How can we flip the moments of frustration we may feel towards each other into empathy and kindness? These five ways show you how.
Face COVID – How to respond effectively to the corona crisis
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In this brief animation, Dr Russ Harris, author of the international best-seller The Happiness Trap, illustrates how to use ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) to deal with the corona crisis and the fear, anxiety and worry that goes with it.
A view from two worlds, on what helps us to deal with this grief
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In coping with our changed reality, what can we learn from the worlds of palliative care and organisational change? By Lea McInerey.
Strategies for transitioning back into the workplace after coronavirus
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As restrictions ease, many aspects of life are returning to normal and work is no exception, with many businesses contemplating the re-opening of offices and other workplaces These tips will help you manage your mental health as you transition back into the physical workplace.
On this site
Budget conscious self-care
Description
Self-care doesn’t have to be expensive. We have some affordable suggestions on how to look after yourself without hurting your budget.