Appointment Adjustments

Updated 10th March 2022

In light of guidance set out by NHS England and the British Dental Association, as well as our own internal risk assessments, some of our routine procedures have had to be adjusted to ensure the safety of all our patients and staff, and the overall smooth running of our practice.

Hygienist appointments/scalings

Due to the water spray and aerosols generated by use of the ultrasonic scalers and jet polishers you might be used to, we are no longer able to use these instruments during routine check-ups.

UPDATE: If you are clinically assessed as requiring use of the ultrasonic scaler, we can book you into the appropriate AGP clinic for this to be completed. Equally, you can now opt for treatment with the ultrasonic scaler and/or jet polisher at a fee, following clinical examination.

AGP (Aerosol Generating Procedure) Clinics

Following an assessment or check-up with the dentist, you might require further treatment. The dentist will be able to decide whether a high speed handpiece is required to complete this treatment, in which case an AGP (Aerosol Generating Procedure) appointment is required. Due to the fallow time required following completion of an AGP, and the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that must be worn, set clinics are in place for each dentist.

Appointment Waiting Times

To ensure social distancing and provide sufficient time to thoroughly clean down between patients, the length of time many appointments are booked in for has increased. Longer appointment times, backlogs, as well as accommodating AGP clinics, has made it necessary we prioritise emergencies and urgent treatments. Therefore, please do not be surprised if we offer dates further into the future than we might have previously been able to - our reception staff are working very hard to bring everybody back safely!