The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the biggest challenges we have faced in the UK for a long time and it is having a significant impact on our daily lives. We are all well aware of the strain this virus is placing on our NHS and the steps being taken to try and control it. We have a moral obligation to do ‘our bit’ to reduce the spread of this infection by observing good social distancing measures and reducing non-essential travel.
Within dentistry we have received clear guidance from our Chief Dental Officer, the Care Quality Commission and the General Dental Council advising us to cease providing routine dentistry. This is to reduce the risk of viral transmission between patients, staff and the wider community. However, we recognise that patients will continue to develop acute dental problems. During this time, as dental professionals, we have a duty of care to alleviate patients’ symptoms and to reduce any additional burden on hospital services from dental patients. In this current situation the default and first-line management of patients with dental problems is the so-called “AAA” protocol which is the use of advice, analgesics and antibiotics without any face to face patient contact. However, this approach is not suitable for all patients and some patients may continue to experience symptoms even after this has been tried.
At Shotley Bridge Dental Care we always put the best interests of our patients at the very centre of what we do and want to be able to help them especially when they need us most. We are currently waiting for guidance as to where in the North East there will be clinics set up with the right personal protective equipment ready to deal with emergencies. These clinics will be for patients with a genuine dental emergency, identified as part of a strict triage process (e.g. severe pain not controlled by painkillers, significant facial swelling, dental trauma, bleeding). Patients will also be asked about their COVID status and whether they or anyone in their household are experiencing a high temperature or persistent cough. Triage can be carried out via telephone or we can also arrange a video consultation to aid the process. Following triage, we anticipate patients will be invited to attend the allocated clinic at an allotted time so they can manage patient flow on a “one in-one out” basis.
We understand that many patients will be struggling to get access to dental care at this time and may feel frustrated, but we kindly ask you to be patient with us. Please realise that this is for the safety of all patients, our team and the wider community.
Stay safe everyone, we look forward to opening our doors to you all once this is over.
