CHANGES are being introduced at dental practices across the region which will mean that the dental treatment available to patients will be severely restricted.
Acting on the advice of the Chief Dental Officer in respect of the coronavirus COVID-19, all dental procedures which involve generating a spray or mist have now been suspended, effective immediately.
Interim Director of Public Health Valerie White said: “It is with regret that the full range of dental treatment will not be available to patients at this time.
“Suspending any dental care is not something we would ever wish to do, but we are acting on the advice of the Chief Dental Officer and in the best interests of patients and the wider community.
“Obviously, the majority of dental procedures require the generation of a spray or mist, so this will severely limit what services can be provided.
“Routine arrangements remain in place for those people faced with a dental emergency. During working hours, patients should contact their own dental practice in the usual way. Unregistered patients should contact the Dental Helpline on 0845 602 6417. Out of hours patients should telephone NHS 24 on 111.”
Ms White added: “We are obviously in a very fast-changing and unprecedented situation because of COVID-19, and we will be constantly reviewing the position and the national guidance. It may be necessary to restrict dental services further before we are able to resume full dental services.
“We appreciate people may be frustrated and we would ask them to continue to support all these efforts to limit the spread of this very serious virus.
“Observing good hygiene advice, adopting social distancing and undertaking self-isolation if symptomatic will continue to be promoted at every opportunity as a vital approach to addressing this situation.”
