What to expect from today’s re-opening of dental surgeries within NHS Lanarkshire

It is being stressed that dentists cannot use high-speed drills or carry out procedures that would create droplets in the air.

This, therefore, limits the number of treatments that dentists can carry out, which includes extractions, dressings of broken teeth and repairs to dentures.

Laura Milby, Clinical Director - General Dental Services, said: “Patients will now notice a difference when they attend their dental practices. The front doors will remain closed and patients can only attend if they have an appointment.

“Initially, practices can only open one surgery area and treat a maximum of ten patients a day.

However, if patients need a procedure which is aerosol generating they will continue be treated at our urgent dental care centres.”

When calling to book an appointment, staff will complete a covid-19 assessment with the patient and this will be repeated when the patient arrives for their appointment. Individual practices will have their own processes in place, so please make sure you follow them.

Due to the restricted number of treatments available, there will be no charge for any NHS treatment that dentists provide at this time.

From today patients should contact their own dental practice for advice. During out-of-hours, patients with urgent dental problems should continue to contact NHS 24 on 111.

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