Coronavirus: Practice Procedures
A note from our team:
Dear Patients,
We hope you and your families are well and thank you for all your patience and support during these uncertain times.
We are pleased to announce that we are beginning the next phase of our re-opening to include a limited number of appointment slots for aerosol generating procedures (Procedures involving high pressure air/water sprays).
However, our capacity remains very much reduced compared to the Pre Covid-Levels. Following the guidance from the NHS and the Chief Dental Officer for England, we have to follow strict protocols for PPE and Decontamination.
In time, as the practice situations continues to improve, we will increase our appointment availability to include the resumption of routine dental care for any urgent dental concerns, please continue to contact us via telephone.
Thanks again and we hope to see you all again soon.
Best wishes,
Prettygate Dental practice
New Patient Journey
You may see some changes when it is time for your next appointment. We made these changes to help protect our patients and staff
1. Telephone Triage
You will be triaged over the phone by our reception and management staff prior to booking an appointment.
2.Scheduled Call Back
A dedicated time and date will be provided where we will call you to assess if a face to face appointment is required.
3. Appointment
On the day of your appointment, please do not enter through the practice door until your appointment time. Upon arrival please expect new safety measures whilst we safeguard you and our team.
On the day of your appointment
You may see some changes when it is time for your next appointment. We made these changes to help protect our patients and staff.
- Our practice will communicate with you beforehand to ask some screening questions.
- On the day of your appointment, please do not enter through the practice door until your appointment time.
- Please attend your appointment with a face covering and a member of our team will check your temperature using a non-touch thermometer at the front door. If you have a high temperature, your appointment will need to re-arranged for a later date.
- You’ll be asked those same questions again at your appointment
- Hand sanitiser will be provided when you arrive at the practice and before you leave.
- Please be aware that our waiting room will be closed to maintain social distancing rules, and our bathroom facilities will not be in use during this time.
- To allow safe decontamination of equipment and rooms between patients, we will be offering fewer appointments per day in line with the current guidelines.
How you can help:
- Please attend your appointment wearing a face covering.
- Wherever possible, patients should attend alone. Children under 16 can be accompanied to the practice but escorts/guardians/translators must remain in the waiting area or outside the practice during the patient’s treatment.
- Please bring your own pen incase you are required to sign any documents relating to your dental care and medical history.
- Payment should be made by card where possible.
- If you show symptoms following appointment booking, you should contact the practice by phone.
- Please do not arrive without an appointment.
- Please do not arrive early to the practice. If necessary, you should wait outside the practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I have a general emergency ?
If you require urgent care, please call us at our Prettygate Rd practice on 01206 577664 or at our Mersea Rd practice on 01206 548 386.
A member of our team will arrange a call back with one of our dentist to assess if a dental appointment is required.
Please do not arrive at the practice without a confirmed appointment, you will not be seen.
How long will I have to wait to be seen?
Once you have advised us of a dental emergency, we will arrange for a dentist to call you back the very same day, where this is not possible please expect to speak to a dentist within 24 hours.
What will it cost?
Our practice will arrange a call back with the dentist at no cost. If you are a NHS patient, you will be charged the NHS Band 1 urgent fee of £22.70 , please expect longer wait times then normal.
What happens if I miss my appointment?
The practice requires 24 hours notice to cancel an appointment if you miss your appointment the practice will not be able to re-book.
Who is entitled to free NHS dental treatment?
You do not have to pay for NHS dental treatment if, when your treatment starts, you are:
- under 18
- under 19 and in full-time education
- pregnant or you’ve had a baby in the 12 months before treatment starts
- staying in an NHS hospital and the hospital dentist carries out your treatment
- an NHS hospital dental service outpatient (although you may have to pay for your dentures or bridges)
You can also get free NHS dental treatment if, when the treatment starts or when you’re asked to pay:
- you’re included in an award of Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance or Pension Credit guarantee credit.
- you’re named on, or entitled to, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate.
- you’re named on a valid HC2 certificate
- If you’re named on a valid HC3 certificate, you may not have to pay for all your NHS dental treatment. HC2 and HC3 certificates are issued under the NHS Low Income Scheme – see below
You will not be exempt from paying for NHS dental treatment because you receive one of the benefits below when paid on their own:
- Incapacity Benefit
- Contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance
- Council Tax Benefit
- Housing Benefit
- Pension Credit savings credit
Proof of your entitlement
You’ll be asked to show your dentist written proof that you’re entitled to help with dental treatment costs. This will vary depending on your circumstances.
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