We hope you and your loved ones are safe and well.

Learning the new dance steps of Dentistry in 2020 – Welcome Back!

What a ride this Coronavirus crisis has been for dentistry!

Since we started back on the 8th of June, we are pleased to say that your dental team is satisfied that all of the necessary processes and equipment is in place to ensure everyone’s safety and we can welcome you back and resume dental care for everyone. We are now also booking appointments for regular, essential preventative maintenance such as check-ups, which include oral cancer and gum health screening, and hygiene visits.

What you need to do now:

If you have had an appointment cancelled due to the practice closure, please contact us to rebook your appointment.

If you were due for your check up or hygiene visit during the closure period or it is due now, please contact us to book your appointment.

If you need advice, or urgent dental treatment, please call the practice.

Do not turn up at the practice without an appointment .

What to expect when booking your appointment:

Regulatory authorities have advised us to carry out pre-appointment triage of every patient to ensure that we minimise the risk of community spread. So please don’t shoot the messenger! Our reception team will require you to fill out some forms which will be sent to you or you may need to answer some questions over the phone. All will be explained when you call.

What to expect/do when you arrive for your appointment:

Please wear a face mask when you arrive.

Just like most business places, we have had to make some changes to ensure social distancing. For this reason, the patient lounge and bathroom facilities are closed during this phase of the pandemic.

• If you are walking please do not arrive any earlier than your appointed time. It may help to call and let us know when you are on your way.
• If you arrive by car, please remain in your car, and call the practice to let us know you are here. We will tell you when to come to the door.
• Please arrive on your own – if you need to attend with someone or you are bringing a child, our receptionist will explain the process to you.
• Which entrance – you will be instructed which entrance to use

Entering the Practice:

A Team member will meet and greet you at the door. They will open and shut the door for you, to limit what you touch as you come in.

• Face mask - Please arrive wearing a face mask. This reduces the need for us to use up precious PPE and takes care of the environment. You will wear it throughout your time in the practice, except while you are being treated.
• Belongings - Your belongings will be placed into a plastic bag provided. Try to limit what you bring with you
• Hand sanitising - You will be required to sanitise your hands using the hands-free sanitising station at the door
• Temperature - your temperature will be taken at the door
• More questions – we are required to reconfirm a few things - every time you attend.

During treatment:

Fancy dress? - You will notice that during check ups we will be wearing pretty much what you're familiar with. However, when the drilling or other so-called "aerosol generating procedures" begin, we will be wearing a lot more than usual. It may look like it, but it's not just fancy dress. While the procedures are as safe as they've always been for patients because of the infection control measures we already take, they are deemed higher risk for clinicians and nurses as far as COVID-19. It is for this reason that we now have to wear enhanced protective equipment in the form of surgical gowns, special masks, etc. All this garb can be hot and uncomfortable and makes conversation difficult, so do bear with us. We have no doubt that we will soon be finding innovative ways of adapting to all these changes.

When treatment is complete:

Again, for social distancing purposes, we need you to leave promptly after your treatment is completed so please forgive us if we cannot have our usual chat afterwards.

We can’t wait for a return to some normality! In the meantime, let’s be as safe as we can.

The Team at Dentistry 19