Torrington dentist joins expert panel to tackle corona virus
A dentist from Torrington has joined an expert NHS panel tasked with developing contingency plans to cope with the spread of the corona virus.
Professor Ian Mills, from Torrington Dental Practice, was asked to form part of an emergency NHS England group in February. Prof Mills and the rest of the expert panel have been working to draw up plans for dentistry, optometry and pharmacy in the event that the number of cases soars. The group has been meeting on a weekly basis over the course of the last month. Prof Mills is representing the Faculty of General Dental Practice in his role as Dean.
Over the last few weeks, the working group has been offering advice to dental practices and other medical clinics and facilities to help them prepare for a potential large-scale outbreak and to employ measures to reduce the spread of infection and keep patients and staff members safe.
Prof Mills said that some patients have been in contact with concerns about Covid-19 and he wanted to stress that dental practices all over the country are being updated regularly. Patients who feel unwell are advised to contact 111, rather than visiting a GP or dental surgery. It’s particularly important for those who have returned from countries where cases are prevalent, for example, China, Iran and Italy, to seek advice if they start to develop symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath and a high temperature. Patients who are attending dental appointments are also advised to use the hand sanitiser pumps provided in surgeries and to wash their hands with soap once returning home.
For the latest advice and information, members of the public are advised to visit the NHS Choices website.
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