COVID-19 Update 1st June 2020

Panshanger Dental Practice – Re-opening June 8th

During this difficult and trying time, we would like to thank our patients for being understanding and patience while the practice has been temporarily closed. We are preparing to accept patients into the practice from the 8^th of June. Part of this involves giving you an update on the steps we are taking to keep you, our patients and staff safe.

Infection control has always been a top priority for us. Our practice follows stringent standards of infection control so that when you receive care, it is both safe and comfortable. We are now focusing on new practice protocols in order to operate a safe and efficient dental practice for all our patients, staff and our wider community following the COVID-19 crisis.

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You will note some changes when it is time for your next appointment. We are making these changes and revising our protocols to help protect you, our patients and our team.

Before you arrive at the practice, we will ask you to:

• Thoroughly brush your teeth just before arrival
• Wash your hands for 20 seconds before leaving your home
• Use the bathroom before leaving your home
• Complete a pre-appointment screening process

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When you visit the practice, we will ask you to:

• Remain in your vehicle in the car park until we come to collect and escort you to the practice
• Allow us to take your temperature with a contact free thermometer
• Complete a screening process questionnaire
• Use hand sanitizer before you enter the practice
• Rinse with a specific anti-viral mouthwash to cleanse your mouth and throat

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To ensure a safe environment, we will:

• Install Perspex panels or ‘germ-guards’ along the reception desk
• Clearly mark out social distance respecting recommendations
• Manage appointments to allow for social distancing between patients
• Set up a daily health screening checkpoint and log for the screening of all staff entering the workplace
• Minimise staff interaction
• Equip our dental staff with appropriate and additional PPE when in surgery
• Use air-purifier machines that will help decontaminate the surgery between each patient and to ensure a safe virus-free environment
• Decontaminate communal areas prior to practice opening, at lunch and at end of the day
• Use video and phone consultations whenever possible
• Remove newspapers and magazines from the waiting room
• To help maintain social distancing, we will ask you pre-pay for treatments planned for the day
• Use a rubber sheet to isolate the teeth that we are working on, that combined with a powerful suction will keep you safe and comfortable while we work

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Provisional timetable:

• June 4^th– June 5^th – Staff training and Fit testing for respirator masks
• June 8^th– June 12^th – Emergencies will be seen during this time
• June 15^th– 19^th – Essential treatment
• June 22^nd onwards – Routine treatment

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Panshanger Dental Practice will not be increasing its normal fees for the foreseeable future unless absolutely necessary, despite the financial impact of coronavirus.

We recommend that patients in the high-risk category delay non-essential dental treatment for as long as possible. The following link will give you further information

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/people-at-higher-risk-from-coronavirus

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As and when we hear advice from our professional governing bodies, we will keep you updated. Regardless of whether we are open or closed, you can still contact us.

We are available 7 days a week regarding any dental problems or concerns you may have during this outbreak. We will be able to offer advice, prescribe pain relief and antibiotics should your symptoms meet certain criteria. For dental problems we are unable to manage, we have access to refer patients to the COVID-19 dental emergency Hub network.

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You can telephone the practice on 01707 332924 or email us directly on info@panshangerdentalpractice.co.uk

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We look forward to seeing you again and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the steps we are implementing to keep you, and every patient, safe in our practice.