07/04/2021
IMPORTANT: CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) DENTISTRY UPDATE:
We are aware that is has been some time since we posted an update with regards to the resumption of dental care, largely due to very little change in the restrictions in place. However, with the easing of lockdown and the resumption of some other services, we wanted to take this opportunity to update patients.
At present, whilst we are no longer prohibited from providing NHS dental services, we are still severely restricted in how we are allowed to practice. As a practice, we are required to abide by social distancing which severely limits the number of patients that can be seen within the practice daily. In addition, the use of enhanced PPE and fallow times following treatment, meaning that each surgery has to be closed off for a period of time after any aerosol treatment, is resulting in a severe reduction in appointments.
Due to the limit in number of appointments available, we continue to triage patients and prioritise emergency care. Many patients have been added to our treatment lists and we continue to try to progress through the unprecedented backlog of outstanding treatment. Please be aware that every patient is overdue their check-up, but that routine check-ups and routine treatment will not be available for the foreseeable future.
We wish to take this opportunity to clarify recent comments made by The Scottish Government that implied things were ‘back to normal’ with respect to dentistry. The reality is far from this and we feel it is important that patients are aware of the current difficulties faced by NHS practices. To put things in perspective, the government has set for practices in Scotland a target to be providing just 20% of the pre-pandemic levels of treatment by July 2021.
Please bear in mind that all practices are different and are able to work to varying degrees. Differences in ventilation/staff with health conditions/abundance of emergency treatment and space for social distancing may result in some practices being able to see fewer patients or operating with a reduced work force.
We appreciate and share patient’s frustration but would ask for understanding when calling to book appointments. Please be patient and do not take frustrations out on reception staff who are working extremely hard to accommodate patients under difficult circumstances.
We hope you are all keeping safe and look forward to seeing you again when normal practice resumes.
