9th June 2020

Avenue Parade Dental Practice is now open again during our normal hours for prearranged appointments.

The front door will be kept locked to ensure social distancing within the premises, therefore all appointments need to be arranged by telephone on 01254 231219.

We will be arranging appointments for those patients with the most urgent dental needs first. Unfortunately, most prearranged booked appointments will need to be rearranged to allow sufficient time in between appointments for extra cleaning.

There are new measures in place in the Practice to reduce the risk of transmission of Covid-19 as much as we can.

We will be contacting all our patients before their appointments to check Medical Histories and ask about any problems. The reason for this is to minimise conversation within the Practice and allow us to have the correct equipment and materials set up in the surgery for your appointment. We would be grateful if you could let us know if you think that your contact details may have changed, especially telephone numbers. We are developing a new system so will also be asking for email addresses as well, and will be giving you more information about what to expect when you attend for your appointment.

When you arrive at the Practice for your appointment, please be prepared to wait outside or in your car if you are early. There is a doorbell to ring on the left side of the front door so that a staff member can come downstairs and let you in. Unfortunately, if you are late, we will have to rebook your appointment.

You will have your temperature checked and be asked to use the hand sanitiser station.

We ask that you attend alone if over 16 years old, unless you need a carer to accompany you. Under 16’s should be accompanied by only one parent/guardian. Please bring minimal possessions with you.

The Practice staff will be wearing appropriate PPE and we will look very different to normal. This is needed to protect both us and you.

You will be escorted straight to the surgery without spending time in the waiting room. The toilet is also not in use at the moment. As far as possible your treatment will be carried out with non- aerosol generating procedures (no water spray). This is to minimise the risk of transmission of Covid-19.

We have installed an air purifier in the Surgery and will also have the window open.

After your treatment is completed, if you need to visit reception, you will notice a clear screen on the desk.

You will be accompanied back downstairs and, after using the hand sanitiser, be escorted out of the Practice.

We would like to reassure you that we are taking these measures to ensure the safety of you and ourselves and appreciate your understanding at this time.