COVID-19

The Chief Dental Officer has confirmed that Dental Practices should stay open during lockdown and continue to provide an essential healthcare service.

We have worked very hard to ensure that the practice is fully compliant with all the updated guidelines. We continue to review all procedures to ensure we remain up to date with all guidance.

You will notice that your journey through the practice is very different to before the pandemic but please understand that all the changes we have made are to ensure the safety of our patients and staff. Here are just a few of the changes we have put in place:

• Reception screens
• All staff and patients are required to wear facemasks in communal areas at all times.Masks are available for you reception if you do not have one
• Handgel available throughout the practice
• Social distancing throughout the practice
• Longer appointrments and fewer patients seen in a day
• Enhanced PPE
  
• Daily screening of symptoms and temperature for all patients and staff
• Deep cleaning and disinfection of the whole practice on an ongoing basis.
• We have installed air purifiers in the surgeries
  
• Updated risk assessments, practice policies and procedures
  

Dental practices are highly skilled in infection control and have well-established protocols that are regularly checked and audited against government standards. Organisations concerned with national standards (CQC/HIW/HIS and RQIA) that have a statutory role to check these issues have confirmed the high standards to which dental practices operate.

Anyone who is not registered at the practice but is unable to access their usual dental care is welcome to use our services.

Please telephone or email for an appointment as we will be unable to offer "drop in" appointments.

Please read the following advice prior to your appointment;

• With the exception of children and patients in need of support or supervision, patients should come alone
• Please bring minimal belongings with you. Coats and bags will not be allowed in the surgery
  
• A distance of at least 2 metres must be observed if another patient is present in the dental practice
• Payment should be made preferably by cards
• Patients will be asked to use handgel on entering and leaving the practice
• Some elective procedures may have to be deferred or reassessed
• If you wish to make an appointment please telephone rather than visit the practice. Walk in emergencies will not be able to be seen.
• If you develop Covid 19 symptoms within 14 days of visiting the practice please alert us
• If you have Covid 19 symptoms and have a dental emergency please contact the practice to discuss your care prior to attending
  
• Please try to attend for your appointment on time. Late arrivals may not be seen. Try not to attend too early to avoid unnecessary time in the waiting room
• If you prefer to wait outside/in your car please let reception know and we will call you in when the surgery is ready for you.