Jonathan Alexander Abt
ATTENDING THE Dentist During the Pandemic
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Jonathan Alexander Abt
ATTENDING THE DENTIST DURING THE PANDEMIC I n J a n u ar y 2021, t h e U K entered its third a n d s tr i ct es t lo c kd o wn s in ce the start of the C O V I D-19 p a n d emic . U n t il at least the middle o f F e b r uar y 2021, a ll n o n -es sential businesses h a v e b e en o r d er ed t o c lo s e. However, unlike d u r i n g t h e fir s t lo c kd o w n, dental services h a v e b e en p er mit t ed t o r emain open, although t h e r e a re m a n y r es t r ic t io n s in place.
Jonathan Alexander Abt
REMOTE TRIAGE People are permitted to attend the dentist, but only with an appointment. Most triage is being done remotely, so some people may find they are unable to book an appointment when they call. Risk assessments are also being performed remotely prior to booking appointments.
SAFETY MEASURES All dental surgeries are required to have PPE and enforce social distancing, the wearing of masks, and other health and safety regulations. Patients are encouraged to make appointments only for necessary treatments to help keep themselves, the workers at their dental practice and others as safe as possible.
CRITICAL WORKERS Dental staff are classed by the government as critical workers, meaning all dentists and their staff are classified as frontline workers.
Dental staff are classed by the government as critical workers, meaning all dentists and their staff are classified as frontline workers.
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JONATHAN ALEXANDER ABT You can learn more about how the dental profession has been affected by the pandemic by visiting the blog of Jonathan Alexander-Abt.