What Does Freedom Day Mean For Dentistry?
19th July has been dubbed “Freedom Day” following an announcement this week by Boris Johnson that the country can move to stage 4 in lifting measures to ease all the remaining Covid 19 restrictions.
This means there will be significant changes to the restrictions that have been imposed on us for many months, such as:
- no limits on socialising
- legal requirements on wearing face masks will stop but are expected in crowded indoor spaces
- school bubbles will be scrapped
- theatres and nightclubs can re-open
The planned measures have created divided opinion with many people welcoming the changes and lack of restrictions imposed on us and others concerned that this will lead to increased covid cases.
What do the new rules mean for dentistry?
As things stand, there have been no announcements from the government or our regulators that there are any planned changes to the protocols and restrictions placed on dental services as a result of the pandemic.
This means, we continue with the enhanced measures we work under such as advanced personal protective equipment (PPE) for certain procedures; increased gaps between appointment (fallow time) for aerosol generating procedures (AGPs); and still limitations on the number of patients we are able to see.
We request our patients to also continue following our expectations in order for us to continue serving you in the safest manner, such as:
- complete any forms online in advance where possible (please ensure we have your correct email address to help with this)
- come for your appointment alone unless you need to be accompanied (such as children)
- inform us if you or anyone you are in contact with has possible Covid symptoms
- payments taken over the phone or online and in advance where possible to limit contact and possible contamination
- wear a face mask when entering the practice
- arrive on time for your appointment to avoid people having to wait unduly to be seen
Thank you for your continued support and understanding. If you need any assistance please email the practice at [email protected]
