Dealing with Covid 19

Infection control has been a top priority in dentistry for many years.

We are up-to-date on new infection control guidance that has been issued. In addition to new guidance we have also invested in clean air filters for each surgery that kill any virus particles in the air.

You may see some changes when it is time for your next appointment. We made these changes to help protect our patients and staff. For example:

• Our practice will communicate with you beforehand to ask some screening questions.
• Your temperature will be checked upon entry to the practice.
• We have hand sanitiser that we will ask you to use when you enter the practice.
• We no longer offer magazines, children’s toys and so forth, since those items are difficult to clean and disinfect.
• Appointments will be managed to allow for social distancing between patients. That might mean that you’re offered fewer options for scheduling your appointment.
• Additional personal protective equipment is being worn by the staff for some procedures.

To minimise the risk of the spread of the disease we are asking patients to wait outside until the clinician is ready to see you. We will be directing patients straight to surgery via external doors. How you can help:

• With the exception of children and patients with carers, patients should come alone
• Face coverings are to be worn inside the building (except for young children, or those who are exempt)
• A distance of at least 2 metres must be observed if another patient is present in the dental practice
• Payment should be made by card where possible
• 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.

We are employing many measures to make your visit as safe as possible. However it is not possible to maintain social distancing during dental treatment, so it impossible to eliminate all risk of disease transmission. If you wish to defer attendance for your dental appointment until the risk posed by the pandemic is reduced then we understand. If you are shielding and have a dental concern then please contact the dental practice and we may be able to help manage your problem over the phone.

We thank you for your patience and support through this pandemic.