As news of coronavirus continues to cause anxiety, it is reassuring to know that as far as dentistry is concerned, Torrington Dental Practice partner Ian Mills has his finger very firmly on the pulse of developments.
In February, Ian was invited to join an emergency NHS England working group to develop contingency plans for dentistry, pharmacy and optometry in case of a coronavirus (COVID-19) escalation. The group meet on a weekly basis, with Ian representing dentistry in his role as Dean of the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK).
The group are providing regularly updated advice to dentists on the steps they should take to help reduce the risk of the spread of infection, and on how they should manage any suspected cases of coronavirus amongst staff or patients.
“Some patients have been contacting us with their concerns and I want to reassure them that Torrington Dental Practice is adhering strictly to the latest clinical guidance” says Ian. “If you are feeling unwell and/or have in the past 14 days returned from a Category 1 or Category 2 area, please do not visit the practice. Instead call 111 for medical advice and attention. Otherwise we look forward to seeing you as normal.”
“It goes without saying that we are keeping the practice scrupulously clean (as always!) and are asking all visitors to sanitise their hands on entering” Ian adds. “In terms of general protection for the public, the very best thing you can do is to wash your hands regularly, and thoroughly.”
TDP will continue to keep all patients updated on developments via its website and Facebook page.
For answers to the most common questions about coronavirus, please visit NHS UK.
