THE PRACTICE REMAINS OPEN:
- We are experiencing a high volume of new patients needing to be seen
- This has impacted our waiting time for appointments and a waiting list has been introduced
- Booked appointments will go ahead, unless you are contacted and advised otherwise, or you have been advised to shield
- You will be contacted prior to your appointment to run through some Covid related questions to check you are fit and well to visit the practice
- On arrival you will be asked a few further questions and your temperature taken
- You will access the practice via the side entrance and be asked to wait outside. We have installed a temporary marquee to help protect you from the elements
- You will be asked to sanitise your hands upon entry and wear you mask or face covering at all times until you are asked to open your mouth by the dentist, then of course, you might need to remove it
- Appointments are spaced to avoid congestion of people and to maximise social distancing in the building
- We are asking patients to enter the building WITHOUT accompanying persons who should wait outside/in vehicles when practical
- There are planned gaps between aerosol generating appointments, known as ‘fallow time’ to provide room air exchange, clearance and robust infection control procedures
- Enhanced PPE will be worn by the team at all times throughout your visit
- If you wish/need to cancel your appointment, please contact the Practice as far in advance as possible 01903 503841
It is our priority to keep our patients and staff safe!
29th May 2020
You may have seen in the news that dental practices can open from Monday 8th June. We as a practice, were informed of this at exactly the same time as you through the national news.
We understand that there will be many of you who require our services however please be patient. We are currently doing everything we can to prepare to open the doors including observing social distancing and many other safety measures.
There is very short supply of appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) much of which is on back order, and until we have this in place to keep you and our staff safe, we will be running a reduced service.
We will keep you informed of our progress and contact those who are a priority due to a dental emergency. In the meantime, stay safe, and we look forward to welcoming you back as soon as it is safe to do so.
We appreciate your patience and understanding at this very difficult time.
From all of your Grand Avenue Team
21st April 2020
Dear Patient
We hope this letter finds you and your family safe and well.
Sadly, we all now know the far-reaching effects of Covid 19. It is impacting on the daily lives of each and every one of us in a manner we could never have anticipated.
At this challenging time, we, at the Grand Avenue Dental Practice feel the safety of our patients, their families and our staff is of paramount importance. With this in mind, you are probably aware that in line with government guidelines, Grand Avenue Dental practice like all dental practices in England, are unable to see any patients for face to face treatment and routine checkups. However, please be reassured that we are still here for you. We are missing seeing you and providing face to face dental care, but we are still available for advice and support.
Many of you will have received a phone call from one of our staff advising you of changes to your scheduled appointment and hearing about the emergency cover we have in place. We sincerely hope this temporary situation will be as short as possible.
Emergency dental services: Each weekday morning, two of the dentists here at Grand Avenue Dental Practice will be available to answer the phone to give you advice.
Please call on 01903 503841 if you have a dental problem.
After lunch and on weekends our normal ‘out of hours’ on call emergency phone line is open on 07474087800 to manage severe dental emergencies. Again, it is manned at home by one of your dentists.
Oral hygiene maintenance at home: It is always important that we keep our mouth as healthy as possible but even more so at this time.
All our lives have been changed and for many, the daily routine we had has disappeared. Please remember to brush your teeth and gums twice a day for two minutes -once in the morning and again just before bedtime. Keep your toothbrush just for yourself, don’t share. Change it every 3 months. Use an electric brush if possible, with a fluoride toothpaste. Clean in between your teeth daily with tepe brushes, easy picks or floss – whichever works best for you.
Please visit our Facebook page to watch videos on how to look after your oral hygiene, recorded personally by one of your dentists or hygienists from Grand Avenue Dental Practice.
Minimise snacking – Many people are finding it a very long day being in lockdown. Please try not to snack. Many snacks are sugary, and it is the frequency not the quantity of sugary foods and drinks that cause our teeth to decay. Water, raw vegetables, nuts, bread sticks are great alternatives.
Finally, we would like to say how we truly value your continued loyalty and support. As you know, as a Practice from the very beginning, we have always strived hard to provide a caring and personal service and endeavor to build a relationship with our patients based on trust.
We appreciate and thank you for your understanding during this unusual time and look forward to welcoming you back to the practice shortly.
Let’s stay healthy, look after one another, and rest assured that we are just a phone call away if you have a dental emergency or need some advice.
Your dental team at Grand Avenue Dental Practice
PS. we have found our email data base is not complete. Please feel free to forward this to your family and friends that are also patients with us.