It’s been nearly 3 months since dental practices were allowed to resume normal activities on 8th June 2020.
We want to thank all of our patients who have continued to support us and trusted us with their dental care.
Our COVID-19 protocols have been successfully implemented which has allowed to resume as near as normal service as possible.
We have refurbished our practice so that it is more spacious allowing for 2-metre social distancing.
We have installed air purifiers in each of the three surgeries.
We have updated our PPE policy with all clinical staff members fit-tested on respirator masks.
We already cleaned down all surfaces in the patient areas, but have now increased this to ensure the cleanest and most hygienic environment possible.
We have spaced appointments allowing us to maximise the use of our surgeries to minimise down-time and allow us to see our patients safely and efficiently.
This blog will answer some other questions a lot of patients and prospective patients ask us and provide an update on our services.
Do you charge for PPE?
We have made a conscious decision not to charge a PPE surcharge. This is because we have always used a lot of the necessary PPE as standard and been fortunate to source our additional PPE at competitive prices.
We understand some dental practices, as well as other businesses such as hair salons, charge a PPE surcharge for business reasons, but do not feel as a business we need to.
What is fallow time?
After an aerosol-generating procedure (AGP) there is a theory that virus particles may be introduced into the air from the procedure. As such a fallow time is recommended where the surgery is left empty up to an hour, to allow the air to settle prior to being disinfected and used again.
As a practice, we have a number of protocols in place, such as air purifiers, opening of windows, use of high vacuum suction, use of rubber dam etc, in order to minimise this fallow time.
We also have spare surgery space, so that we can still work whilst one surgery space is under fallow.
Do I need to wear a mask to the practice?
Currently the guidance from the UK government is that patients do not need to wear a mask when they attend the dental practice.
However, we would be grateful if our patients did, especially when there may be other patients in the patient areas.
Can I bring someone with me?
We see a lot of anxious patients and a lot of them need someone to come with them for support. We completely understand this, however to minimise contact and maintain social distancing we ask patients to attend alone unless they need a carer or a guardian.
Do you provide digital appointments?
Absolutely. We are able to provide video and telephone consultations with our dentists.
You can discuss your concerns and options with the dentist without having to leave your home.
When you’re ready to go ahead, you can book in for your face to face consultation or examination.
Are you able to provide all treatments? My dentist won’t do fillings.
We have had a lot of enquiries from patients whose regular dentist is unable to help the with otherwise routine treatments, such as cleanings, fillings or dental crown treatment.
We cannot presume the rationales of other practices, but we have strict protocols, systems and processes in place with all the necessary PPE and additional equipment, which means we can provide all the usual dental treatments.
Patients actively suffering from COVID-19 are asked to wait for at least two weeks of isolation before they can be seen. In emergencies, we can help with advice, analgesics and medications as needed or referred to a designated site for emergency treatment of patients who cannot wait.
Due to the fallow time, and backlog of patients, you may be waiting longer for an appointment.
But our team is working hard to ensure you are seen in a timely manner as well as ensuring your safety and the safety of the rest of our patients and team.
For further information we’re available at 01562 822653 and our COVID-19 patient journey is available at https://www.foleyparkdental.co.uk/why-choose-us/post-covid-19-new-patient-journey/
