The cost for a visit to dentist will skyrocket as the Greek Ministry of Health demands a negative Covid-19 test by both vaccinated and unvaccinated patients. The measure will be imposed also for those accompanied a patient to the dentist.
Vaccinated patients and accompanied person will have to show a negative Rapid test – 10 euros -, while unvaccinated a negative PCR molecular test – 60 euros – .
According to the ministerial decision published on the Official Gazette on September 12, 2021, the following apply for visits to hospitals, clinics, doctor’s officer, diagnostic centers and rehabilitation centers.
– Patients going to a public or private health facility for examination are not subject to covid-19 laboratory testing.
– Patients coming to a public or private health facility for an invasive examination or test that may cause aerosols to be subject to a laboratory test with a rapid test within 48 hours prior to the examination.
– Fully vaccinated patient attendants undergo a rapid test within 48 hours before entering a public or private facility.
Unvaccinated patient attendants undergo molecular testing (PCR) within 48 hours prior to entry into a public or private facility.
The president of the Dentists’ Association of Thessaloniki, Konstantinos Kougias, reportedly confirmed the changes and the Covid-test requirements.
Speaking to Radio Thessaloniki, he said that according to the new instructions at the initial visit, that is without having to do any work, no test is needed.
However, when it is determined that the patient needs to perform tasks that require the use of medical equipment, such as a wheel that draws water and air and is contaminated with biological fluids, then the vaccinated should also undergo a negative rapid test.
Kougias said that a tooth extraction does not produce aerosol while a seal does. In any case, the dentist will be the one who will indicate to the patient whether or not a rapid test is needed.
The new requirements reportedly took the Greek Dentists’ Federation by surprise, no announcement has been made so far.
However, the Medical Association of Athens sent a letter to Health Minister Thanos Plevris requesting the modification of the Covid-testing requirements. The letter refers mainly to the vaccinated accompanying persons pointing out that it cannot be that “a vaccinated mother cannot enter the facility when her child is sick because she has not undergone a Rapid test and the same is valid for vaccinated persons accompanying elderly patients.”
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