Government advice is constantly changing and adapting during this unprecedented time. We would advise patients to visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus for up to date information, guidance and support regarding Coronavirus.
Routine dentistry during COVID-19 requires the correct social distancing measures and personal protective equipment to be in place.
The experience of going to a dentist might be different now, but they remain safe places to be.
Patients still need to be patient
Many practices are still catching up from when they were closed during the first national lockdown and those delivering NHS care in particular may have a backlog.
For these practices, their priorities are likely to be:
- Patients needing urgent care
- Patients at higher risk of oral disease and
- Patients with outstanding treatment needs.
The reason for the long waits is not just because of the backlog, but also because there’s a lot more disinfection of surgeries required after each treatment. Depending on the nation, sometimes they have to wait anything up to an hour before they can have another patient in the chair.
Calling The Practice
Please make sure you keep your appointment if you have one; it’s going to be safe and it’s important we don’t waste limited resources. If you can’t make an appointment, your practice may be able to offer it to someone else who really needs it.
If you’re looking for care, you may receive initial remote advice via the phone or video call. This may lead to advice being given or the arrangement of an appointment if the dentist deems it necessary. Some routine care like a check-up might be delayed, potentially until next year unfortunately. Please be assured that dentists are working within the current guidelines issued by governments and are doing their best to help patients wherever possible.
Receptionists are also doing their best to ensure that priority cases are treated as soon as possible. Please treat all the staff with respect. We know it can be stressful, but they are doing their best to help.
How you can help:
- Please do not arrive without an appointment
- Do not attend if you have symptoms or are positive, please ring to rearrange your appointment
- With the exception of children and persons in need, patients should come alone where possible
- Patients should attend wearing a mask if possible or be prepared to wear one
- Please try to arrive no earlier than 10 minutes to your appointment
- Staff will not shake your hand
- If you show symptoms following your appointment, you should contact NHS Test and Trace, there is no need to call the surgery
For up to date information regarding Coronavirus and Dentistry please visit :
