May Newsletter

 

Stay safe…

We hope you and your family are all well and staying safe during this difficult time.

As you know by now, all routine dental visits have been cancelled and our practice is open for emergency telephone consultations only. Whilst we appreciate this may be frustrating, the health & welfare of our patients and staff are our priority and we must all do what we can to stop the spread of COVID-19. All cancelled appointments will be re-booked when it is safe to do so. Our reception will remain open during normal working hours to answer any questions over the telephone and we will have a dentist on duty every day to offer telephone advice or emergency care.

You can access NHS services from the comfort of your home, from repeat prescriptions to getting medical advice from GP or nurse simply visit NHS online by clicking on the image below.

How are we helping?

We wanted to take this opportunity to update you with our latest developments and share how we are contributing to the wider cause. Our staff have now been deployed to work in designated Urgent Care Hubs. These hubs have been set up specifically to see patients who are in urgent need of treatment from all over Sussex. We will continue to support the NHS in whichever way we can and for however long it takes, we will get through this, together.

 

Your Questions Answered…

We have produced some FAQs to help patient’s understand the scope of the service and what will be available.

I am due an exam, what should I do?

We will be contacting all our patients to cancel routine non-urgent treatment, examinations and hygiene treatments until the 1st June. This may be extended as we approach that date and re-evaluate the situation.

What happens to my treatment plan?

Each dentist will assess the treatment needs of their patients. Unfortunately there are very strict guidelines of performing treatment which requires drilling. Therefore every treatment will be assessed on a case by case basis and we appreciate your patience during this very challenging time.

I am experiencing pain or discomfort. Who can I call?

Please call us. Our receptionist will be taking calls and we will be able to see you to or to refer to you to an urgent care hub if deemed appropriate. Of course special precautions are now in place. These measures include:

* Only one patient will be allowed in the premises at a time to limit potential social contact.

* Full personal protective equipment to be worn by the dentist and nurse.

* Additional infection control measures.

I am a vulnerable patient of a certain age or with an underlying medical problem. Where do I go?

As a vulnerable patient you will still be able to attend the practice. The risks to your health are greater, and has to be weighed against the severity of your dental problem. However you have the same entitlement as anybody else, and the measures we are taking will help protect you too.

I am having Invisalign Treatment or Fast Braces. Where does that leave me?

We will again look at your individual treatments and where appropriate either pause or postpone your treatment. In some cases we can even send you the next stage of treatment by post to save you visiting the practice. If you were due to have an aligner replaced, please contact the practice.

I am a plan patient. What happens to my exam and hygiene visit?

As a plan patient we will ensure that you receive all your entitlements under the plan once the restrictions are lifted. We remain committed to your dental health, and we hope you can continue providing your support at this difficult time.

If we have not answered any of your questions and you would like to speak to us, please feel free to contact our reception team.

Thank you for your continued support, we look forward to seeing you again soon