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Dental practices across Lanarkshire are gradually continuing to resume services – but patients are being reminded there is no return to ‘business as usual’.

Since June 22, dentists have be able to see patients for some limited routine care.

As of Monday, August 17, aerosol generating procedures could be reintroduced.

That means practices will be able to use their high speed drills and the 3-in-1 (the air and water gun).

That means, with enhanced PPE, dentists will be able to deliver additional treatments to their patients.

NHS Lanarkshire’s Clinical Director, General Dental Services, Laura Milby, said the development is a positive step forward – but stressed that the changes didn’t signal a move back to pre-pandemic service.

Ms Milby explained: “Practices are still only allowed to undertake AGPs to provide urgent dental care, and because of the additional decontamination requirements associated with undertaking AGPs, only a very small number of patients will be able to be treated in this way.

“Not all dental practices will be offering AGPs initially and it will be a gradual process of reintroduction. The reintroduction of AGPs is, however, good news as patients will begin to be able to be seen again in their own practice and will not have to travel to the Urgent Dental Care Centre.”

Dentists are currently not able to provide routine examinations, ultrasonic scale and polish, crowns, veneers or routine fillings.

With the reintroduction of AGPs, dentists will be able to use the high speed drill to access teeth, but only to relieve pain or swelling.

They will continue to provide a number of other treatments including extractions, dressings of broken teeth and repairs to dentures.

Ms Milby added: “I would like to thank everyone for their continued patience and understanding as we all adapt to these changes and our new way of working.”