What to expect when dental practices reopen

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Dental practices across the UK have been closed for two months, but many are set to reopen in the coming days. As dentists prepare to go back to work, patients have been advised to expect a slightly different experience when they go for their next appointment.

New guidelines released by health bodies and the chief dental officers within the UK set out a series of safety and infection control measures, which will help to protect members of the public and dental professionals. The aim is to relaunch NHS and private dental services, while minimising the risk of infection.

Practices have been urged to start preparing to reopen from June 8th, with most taking steps to limit patient numbers, keep people apart in communal spaces and bring down the risk of the virus spreading using protective screens and robust hygiene measures. Dental staff will be kitted out in PPE and patients will be asked to continue to stay at home and book a Covid-19 test if they have symptoms. Patients should also isolate if a member of their household has symptoms or if they have been contacted through the NHS test and trace system. 

In the last few weeks, dental organisations and public health experts have been monitoring the situation in other countries closely, with clinics able to open earlier than in the UK. Learning from other nations is important, and health chiefs will also be keeping a close eye on infection numbers and the R, the infection rate. As lockdown measures are eased gradually, it is possible that local lockdowns will be introduced if there is a spike in cases in certain areas, and dentists and patients should be aware of changes that might come into play into the coming weeks and months. 

Patients who are keen to make an appointment once practices are open again are encouraged to contact their surgery directly once services resume. Many practices may be eager to address priority cases first, with routine appointments, such as check-ups, not available initially.

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