As our procedures have changed so we can treat patients again, our patients often have questions before their first post-coronavirus dental appointment.
We thought we’d share with you our answers to the four most frequently asked questions.
Before your dental appointment, when you’re talking to one our dental team, please feel free to ask your own questions too. It will help you feel more at ease. Then, once you arrive at the practice, you’ll find there’s someone on hand to help you through the processes we have put in place, so there’s no need to worry. We hope these questions and answers will also be helpful to you!
Your FAQs
Grace Vincent chose the questions patients most often ask her. She’s taking your calls and helping you get the dental care you need.
Is there a Covid charge?
Yes, we have introduced a surcharge for private patients, including plan patients.
During June and most of July, we did not add an increase, as we wanted to thoroughly assess our operating procedures and additional expenses. We have worked out a tiered surcharge fee structure, so patients contribute to the costs yet remain in proportion to the treatment.
– Read more about the COVID-19 surcharge here
Can I bring kids to my appointment?
We are strictly enforcing the regulation that only a person with an appointment may enter the practice.
This means that children can only come in if they have an appointment. Where possible, we try to book families in for appointments at the same time.
Adults with children will need to arrange childcare. We know this is not convenient but thank you for your understanding.
Do we need to bring masks?
In the practices, staff will be wearing different levels of protective equipment, and using a lot of hand sanitiser. We encourage you to do the same.
We also have reminders up about keeping an appropriate distance from other patients. But, as that is not always possible, a mask helps protect yourself and others.
Are hygiene appointments going ahead?
Yes, hygiene appointments are going ahead again. However, the procedure may not be the same as you’re used to.
As scaling usually involves a high speed tool and water, it is an aerosol generating procedure. It would require the hygienist to wear full PPE and there would be a surcharge.
For regular oral hygiene maintenance, your dentist will recommend hand-scaling. It takes a little longer and may seem a bit old-fashioned, but it is effective. As hand-tools are used, it does not generate an aerosol.
– Read more about hand scaling here
See our new patient journey video leaflet
Also:
- Meet dentist Nader Botros who’s welcoming new patients in SaDental Ledbury and Ross on Wye.
- 2010 late summer bank holiday openings
- Where’s the coronavirus hotspot in your home?