You may have heard that dental practices can open for routine care from Monday 8 June. Due to new guidelines and the current status of the pandemic we will be opening a week or two later. We just wanted to be clear that this may not be business as usual. We will only be able to offer you a limited range of treatment because of the new infection guidelines that have been put in place. It will take some time before services return to what you previously experienced as normal.
Routine dentistry during COVID-19 requires the correct social distancing measures and personal protective equipment to be in place. That’s why routine dentistry was suspended with the outbreak of coronavirus. In England, dentists can return to work from 8 June, however, it is likely we will be opening a little later in order to meet the strict guidelines.
We are working hard to source the right protective equipment and put measures in place to maintain social distancing. We may not be able to offer all types of treatments when we open, but we will also need to prioritise patients based upon their needs.
If you call to make an appointment, you will be asked some screening questions. You’ll be asked those same questions again at your appointment You will be asked to use hand sanitiser or to wash your hands when you arrive (and again before you leave) You will also find that waiting rooms might look a little different with two metre markers in place. You will also notice that our dental team may be wearing different protective equipment to what you are used to seeing Appointments will be managed to allow for social distancing between patients. That might mean that you’re offered fewer options for scheduling your appointment.
Even after we have re-opened, please be aware that you may need to be referred to an urgent care centre for
treatment.
Some procedures won’t be offered right away in every practice. The supply of essential PPE (particularly certain masks) dictates whether we can offer aerosol-generating procedures (Use of the dental drill and mechanical scaling). As a result, we may have to triage you to an urgent dental centre for such treatment.
With the exception of children and persons in need, patients should come alone.
A distance of at least two metres must be observed if another patient is present in the dental practice.
Staff will not shake your hand.
If you show symptoms following appointment booking, you should contact the practice by phone.
Please do not arrive early to the practice.
If necessary, you should wait outside the practice.
Please do not arrive without an appointment.
Patients should attend wearing a mask if possible or be prepared to wear one.
It will likely be some time before dental services return to what you previously experienced as normal.
However, we will be doing all they can to ensure you receive the treatment you require in the safest way.
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