All that is known so far about dentists reopening across UK
Boris Johnson unveiled plans to ease England out of lockdown restrictions, gradually opening up shops, cafes and restaurants and allowing children to go back to school in a phased manner if the rate of infection remains low.
But when are dentists set to reopen again? Here’s what you need to know.
What is the latest government advice to dentists?
While Boris Johnson announces some easing of the lockdown rules and a road map out of lockdown which encompassed shops, bars and restaurants and schools, there has been no mention of when dentists will reopen in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Dentists will be providing patients with advice, analgesics and antibiotics over the phone where appropriate, with those then in need of emergency treatment being referred to urgent care hubs which have been set up in various spots around the UK.
The BDA said practices are available to treat “initially via advice, analgesics and antibiotics where appropriate, and to triage care into the various urgent care systems.”
The Office of the Chief Dental Office in England has reinforced the ‘no change yet’ message, explaining that the temporary closure of dental practices is for the safety and protection of customers and staff.
It stated: “the temporary cessation of routine dentistry addresses the safety of patients and of dental teams as well as supporting the public health measures required to slow community transmission of COVID-19”.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has revealed Scotland’s phased route map out of lockdown, explaining that measures will begin to be relaxed from May 28.
In a letter to British Dental Association, Scotland’s Chief Dental Officer Tom Ferris stated: “As you will be aware this is an extremely complex process.
We need to be mindful of the oral health needs of patients balanced against the wider situation with COVID-19, and the essential requirements that we reduce the risk of community transmission and protect both patients and dental teams,” he added.
BDA chairman Mick Armstrong and chief executive Martin Woodrow met with Health Minister Jo Churchill and CDO Sara Hurley to discuss the general approach in England, both for NHS and private practices.
Wales is looking at adjustments to be made to NHS dentistry after lockdown.