Perthshire dental hygienist offers appointments in gardens to tackle backlogs and keep patients safe
A dental hygienist from Perthshire is offering patients appointments in their gardens in a bid to tackle backlogs and keep patients safe.
Fiona Perry originally launched the initiative, Flying Smiles, last March but was forced to delay providing treatment due to the lockdown. In August, Fiona started offering at-home appointments, providing a valuable service for people who felt uncomfortable visiting practices or using public transport. Fiona and her husband, James, regularly carry out treatment in gardens and outdoor spaces on dry days to enable patients to get the treatment they need while also minimising the risk of contracting and spreading Covid-19.
Talking about the project, Fiona, 56, said that she wanted to reach out to people who may be vulnerable, including the elderly and those who had to shield during the lockdown. She visited care homes and local community facilities while practices were closed and wanted to ensure that treatment was available for those who were unable to get to a surgery after reopening.
Fiona and James have been using cargo bikes to cycle between appointments, carrying equipment with them to treat a wide range of patients, including the elderly, families and young professionals who struggle to get appointments outside of working hours. Being in the open air is safer for both Fiona and her patients and it can also be a much more enjoyable and pleasant experience, especially on a sunny day. The demand for home treatment has soared in recent months and Fiona is busier than ever.
As backlogs for dental treatment build and practices continue to operate under restrictions, original ideas like the Flying Smiles initiative are making a huge difference, particularly in rural communities like those served by Fiona and James.
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