Dentists’ backlog

sir – At the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis, dentists were asked to donate their personal protective equipment (PPE) to their local NHS (“Waiting list for dentists growing by 40,000 a day”, report, June 9). They are now desperately trying to source PPE, train staff and establish procedures to treat their patients in safety.

Normally they would see 30 to 50 patients a day; now the number will be between five and eight. I know of practices that have made significant investment to ensure a safe environment for staff and patients. They are developing 12-hour-day sessions and plan to work seven days a week. However, the backlog of work will take months to reduce. Unlike schools, they will be working throughout the summer holidays.

Dr Wyndham Collins BDS Tenby, Pembrokeshire

sir – My wife attended her dental appointment on Monday morning.

Impressed with the social distancing and high standard of hygiene, she had a temporary filling. Use of drills and other tools is a little way off due to a lack of PPE – but being able at least to consult her own dentist and have treatment was a blessing.

Peter Alexander Fleet, Hampshire