Coronavirus: Only a third of dentists will reopen their doors next week
Practices will only treat a a handful of patients at first, as dentists get to grips with social distancing measures and PPE.
Friday 5 June 2020 17:50, UK
There will be no return to "business as usual", according to the British Dental Association 鈥� with just a third of dentist practices in England planning to re-open next week.
A survey of more than 2,000 practices found that just over 36% aim to open their doors on Monday 8 June, after being closed due to the coronavirus lockdown.
Problems getting hold of PPE is one factor, as well as not having enough time to implement new guidelines following the outbreak of COVID-19.
The BDA survey found:
- More than 60% of dentists in England estimate they will only be able to treat less than 25% of usual patient numbers
- One third of practices have enough PPE to provide face to face care - with only 25% saying they have been fit tested to use them.
- Only 15% of dentists are planning to offer a full range of treatment
- The BDA says social distancing measures and decontamination mean there will be longer treatment slots.
The body also warns the new guidelines may put into question the financial viability for practices, and has called for further government support.
BDA chair Mick Armstrong said: "Anyone expecting dentistry to magically return on Monday will find only a skeleton service.
"Those practices reopening now face fewer patients and higher costs and will struggle to meet demand.
"Dentists returning to work still lack the support offered to our neighbours on the high street, and even clarity on key worker status when it comes to childcare.
"Ministers must change tack if dentistry is going to survive the new normal."
The new measures, set out by the chief dental officer for England, include:
- Consider physical barriers (e.g: perspex shields) in reception
- Allow for 2m distancing
- Screening of staff on a daily basis
The Bristol Dental Suite is one of thousands which will not be ready to re-open on Monday.
It is aiming to have the right PPE and safety measures in place by next Thursday.
Lead dentist Ahmed Nounu said there simply hasn't been enough time to prepare.
"Once the regulations came out it was a free for all pretty much everyone trying to source their appropriate hand washes, equipment and masks," he said. "We've decided that Monday is unrealistic, it's not going to happen, it's not safe for us on Monday."
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The practice usually treats 150 people a week. He said that number will dramatically fall.
Mr Nounu added: "At this stage we will probably see about a quarter of that - so you can imagine the figures. I'll be very honest, and most practises in the country will be in this position, we are opening at a loss, there is no doubt about it."
We're looking to speak to people who are waiting for a dentist appointment or have had their upcoming dentist appointment cancelled.
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