Update on corona virus: 19/3/2020

The health of our patients and dental team remain our top priority at all times. We carefully follow the latest guidance of the UK Government, the NHS and the General Dental Council as we get it.

When entering the practice please use the alcohol gel rub for your hands and again in our washroom facilities.

Increased risk group

These are a group of patients who are likely to be severely ill if they catch the virus: we do not believe being in this group makes you more likely to become infected with the virus.

Increased risk categories:

• 70 years or older
• long-term serious medical condition e.g. example, heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, cancer or high blood pressure
• pregnant
• have a weakened immune system (immuno-suppressed)

If you are in the increased risk group, you should only attend if you are in severe pain or have a dental abscess developing or present:

Symptoms of corona virus

Anyone showing symptoms including a new persistent cough or high temperature to contact us to reschedule their appointment. NHS advice on the corona virus is available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Our strategies to keep you safe from corona virus

Here at Oral Implants Ltd and Dentist@ 29, we continue to work to, and beyond, the latest UK government and NHS recommendations and adopt ‘best practice’ principals. These are termed universal precautions. This means we treat every patient as if they were suffering with a highly contagious disease. So, every time we see another patient, the room is cleaned down and re-prepared to make it safe BEFORE the next patient enters.

One third of my PhD studies were based on cross infection control and reducing bacterial contamination: I received a grant from North West Regional Health Authority to fund my research on cross infection control as it was thought to be very important. The research was published internationally and then disseminated via the NHS electronic research database to all medical, surgical and dental specialties. I have always ensured our clinic focusses on cleanliness and delivering dentistry in an environment of the highest standards of cross infection control.

Hand disinfection on the reception desk

We have been offering hand disinfectants at our reception desk since June 2018, some 18 months ahead of the corona virus crisis. I felt it was critically important to reduce cross infection risks to the lowest possible. Door handles are wiped frequently with anti-viral and antibacterial agents.

Hand disinfection in the surgery

We change gloves for every patient and use hand disinfectants before and after every patient enters the surgery. All hard surfaces are sprayed or wiped down with anti-bacterial + anti-viral agents.

Clean air

In the surgery we have an antibacterial ultra-violet air cleaner for operating: now it is switched on every day, all day.

Entering + leaving the toilets on our premises

Corona virus is transmitted via the oro-faecal route, so meticulous hand hygiene after using the toilet is hugely important. We ask all patients to clean their hands thoroughly after using the toilet here and provide professional antibacterial cleansing solutions as well as soap and water.

YOUR SAFETY IS ALWAYS OUR 1ST PRIORITY

Mr. Peter Young PhD BDS

Specialist in oral surgery

 March 16/ 3/2020

Special machine for cleaning out dental drills before sterilization

Sterilized instruments come out packaged and dried