Fear virus is harming dental care
EXcluSiVE Hanna Geissler
PATIENTS may be losing teeth that could be saved due to pressure on urgent dental services, dentists claim.
Pandora Dental, an association of independent dental surgeons, said some patients are unable to get an emergency appointment and others are not receiving the usual standard of care.
Dentists have been ordered to stop any procedures that could generate aerosol spray, due to the risk of spreading coronavirus.
But Dr Mark Cronshaw, Pandora Dental president, said many are desperate to help patients who are falling through the gaps.
Dangerous
He said: “Patients are losing teeth needlessly because they either don’t want to see a different dentist or they cannot get an emergency appointment.
“Some have also reported having teeth removed that they felt could have been saved.
“We are concerned that some clinics are extracting a tooth, rather than trying to save it, because it is simpler and makes it easier to see the next patient quickly.”
Some patients have even taken matters into their own hands, performing dangerous tooth extractions or are simply putting up with the pain of untreated problems.
Mick Armstrong, BDA chair, said: “PPE shortages shouldn’t be shaping the guidelines that dentists are forced to work to.
“We need the kit and the freedom to offer effective, safe and timely treatment to patients in agony.
“No one should have to lose teeth that could have been saved or feel they have to take matters into their own hands.”