Few people could have imagined at the start of the year that the country would now be facing such an unprecedented situation in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has affected everyone’s lives in every way, and the way we deliver dental care is no exception.
Whilst the majority of dental practices had to reluctantly close their doors to patients at the height of the pandemic, 543 Dental Centre continued to act as an Urgent Dental Centre (UDC). This means our staff and premises have been working with PPE, social distancing and a very high level of practical infection control measures for a couple of months already.
Priority patients first
On June 8th 2020 we were finally able to start seeing our regular patients again, but we have not been able to go straight back to ‘business as usual’. That’s why we’ve introduced a phased re-opening of the practice, along with several new procedures and safety measures for patients visiting us over the coming weeks and months.
Our first priority is to see those in dental pain, followed by those in vulnerable groups due to health, disability or shielding, and then patients with uncompleted treatments. We would ask that unless you fall into one of these categories that you do not contact the practice for the time being until we are once again able to offer other regular treatments.
Safety as a top priority
Just as we’ve all got used to a new way of shopping, we’re limiting the number of patients in the practice at any one time with a new ‘one-way’ system and hand sanitisers at every entrance and exit point. Each surgery is fully decontaminated between patients and our clinical team now wear full PPE. But please don’t be alarmed! This is to purely to protect you and our team, as safety remains our top priority.
We don’t want any of our patients to feel anxious about coming to see us and I’m sure that you will be reassured by the new safety measures we have put in place, which include:
- A new ‘one-way’ system
- Hand sanitiser at every entry and exit point
- Floor markings to indicate 2m distance
- Perspex screen at reception
- PPE for all clinical staff and facemasks for receptionists
- Open doors and windows wherever possible, to increase ventilation
- Card payments are preferred, wherever possible
We are gradually getting our services back to something close to normal and the entire team at 543 Dental Centre is delighted that we can once again begin treating patients, albeit in a gradual and controlled way, and we look forward to seeing you in the not too distant future. But remember – PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND THE PRACTICE WITHOUT AN APPOINTMENT!
For more information about how 543 Dental Centre is working within professional guidelines to ensure our patients’ safety, and what to expect when you come in to visit us, please click here. We really appreciate your patience and co-operation.
