On Thursday at 5p.m. it suddenly became clear from the rolling news panel during the Prime Minister's announcement that dental practices will be allowed to reopen from Monday 8th June. I am grateful for your loyalty and patience in these times, and personally I am looking forward to going back at work. PLEASE do not just turn up without an appointment hoping to be seen. We will not be able to help.
For us to reopen safely on Monday the 8th many factors must be in place for us to be considered safe to both staff and patients and we must comply with all the regulations and we are striving to achieve this.
In order for face to face dental care to recommence we are working towards ensuring we have the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) in place and we are making changes to the practice to ensure that we minimise risks of virus transmission When we do reopen we will need to attend to emergency situations first, then other urgent matters and worsening situations that have arisen during lockdown and as such will be contacting those patients who have called us during lockdown with such problems first. According to the British Dental Association “the new normal could mean a limited range of treatments on offer to fewer patients”. I believe that this scenario will become clearer soon.
When we restart you will also see some differences in how we operate.
· You will be called before your appointment to check your health and the proposed treatment.
· Any required medical or consent forms must be filled in online prior to your appointment- you will be sent a link on email, for those without access to the internet, we will help you complete your forms over the phone or will send them via post.
· We are aiming for a ‘contactless’ reception. Prepayment or online payment will be requested.
· Our team will not be able to help you by doing the paying on your phone. Please try to set this up before you arrive.
· Your temperature will be taken on arrival, and if you show a fever you will be asked to go home and isolate
· We will all be wearing a lot more PPE, visors masks, gowns etc.
· Please arrive on time, not early, as we will ask you to wait outside until called in when you will be shown straight into the treatment room. We will ask that you come on your own, where possible.
· We will endeavour to get as much treatment done for you in one visit as possible.
In line with current guidance early morning appointments will be set aside for those at highest risk. Please remember this. The health and wellbeing of our patients and our staff is paramount.
Historically, dentists are experts in cross infection control and please rest assured we will only open our practice when we believe it is as safe as possible to do so.
Keep safe.
Jonathan Lever
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