23 / 06 / 2020
Third Week Back and Good Feelings
Our Dear and Valued Patients..
We hope that you, your families and loved ones continue to stay safe and well. We are pleased to say we are now coming to the end of our 3rd week back following the lockdown and helping our patients face-to-face once again. This week we were back to running 3 out of our 5 treatment rooms a day, and everything has run like clockwork, and pleased to report new ‘patient journey’ is running seamlessly.
This we feel will be the maximum we can run, under the current guidelines, as once we have used a drill we need to leave that room empty for 60 minutes before seeing our next patient. We are surprised to have reached this ‘new normal’ so quickly, especially given the fact that over 60% of Dentists in England remain closed!
With great satisfaction we have now successfully treated the majority of our patients that suffered pain and problems during the lockdown
With great satisfaction we have now successfully treated the majority of our patients that suffered pain and problems during the lockdown, and alleviated them from the pain they have had.
Shani and Madeline, our wonderful, experienced and diligent therapists, have also successfully re-started the gum treatment for some of our patients who are predisposed to gum disease, which should prevent their conditions from worsening and allowing them to keep their teeth for longer.
The next phase is to resume the routine care and hygiene appointments for stable patients
The next phase is to resume the routine care and hygiene appointments for stable patients. Frustratingly, under the current government guidance we are only allowed to see patients that have pain, a problem or gum disease that could worsen if not treated. Therefore we are unable to resume routine care at this time.
We are hoping that the easing of the lockdown from 4th July will allow us to resume this service
We are hoping that the easing of the lockdown from 4th July will allow us to resume this service. If you allowed to go to the pub and your hairdresser, then why not your dentist? Rest assured though that, as we have done through this period, we have plans in place once we can resume a more ‘normal’ service, which include extending our working hours to increase the availability of appointments to help us ‘catch-up’ with your missed appointments.
We sincerely value and respect the patience, understanding and loyalty of all our members during this time. This gives us continued determination to help where we can and to get you oral health back to the high standards you are accustomed to. We want to assure you that all our appointments are reserved for our members.
In light of how the world has changed due to COVID-19, businesses have been encouraged to alter working patterns to reduce ‘foot fall’ and person-to-person contact. Naturally, we have therefore been looking even closer at the patient journey, to see how we can make the system even more efficient and seamless for you as a patient.
We have therefore decided to once again combine your health check and hygiene appointments into one. This will mean you will have both services carried out on the same appointment rather than two separate appointments. This will save you time by reducing the number of times you need to come to Practice, and make it easier for you to schedule, whilst receiving the same care and attention you have been used to.
Shani and Madeline are expectational and have been trained by my wife and I personally, and will be carrying out this service. If a problem or issue has been identified by them, you will be booked in with the appropriate clinician for your treatment.
We will absorb the increased cost for PPE as a Practice for ALL of our members,
As mentioned in the previous newsletter, due to the 12 times increase in the cost of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), the majority of Practices, including the large Corporate Practices like Bupa, are charging patients up-to £40 for this.
We strongly felt this is not the correct approach, and we are not doing this. We will absorb the increased cost for PPE as a Practice for ALL of our members, making this an added benefit for being a member of our Practice. Unfortunately, if you are not a member of the Practice with Practice Plan and seen on a Private only basis, this cost will be added as an item to your invoice.
Thank you again for your continued understanding, support, loyalty and patience during this time. It has been truly humbling to us and has helped us get through this difficult time.
We look forward to seeing you again soon for face-to-face care. In the meantime please stay safe!
