WALES’ chief dental officer has discussed how services could start the process of returning to normal this summer when coronavirus begins to stabilise.
Since March - to help reduce the spread of coronavirus - normal NHS dentistry services were scaled back to help protect the public, dental teams and our local communities from the COVID-19 infection.
Dr Colette Bridgman, chief dental officer for Wales, said: “Many dental procedures, such as fillings or scaling, use high-speed drills and other tools which are ‘aerosol generating’ – this means they create spray. This, in the current pandemic, could risk spreading the virus and that is why dentists were asked to stop routine activity for the time being.”
However, dentists in Wales have remained open for urgent care throughout the lockdown. They have seen 10,000 people in practices and provided 125,000 consultations remotely, via phone or video services.
Pain relief and antibiotics have continued to be prescribed where necessary.
Dr Bridgman adds that a total of 15 urgent dental care centres have been opened covering the whole country - providing emergency treatment to more than 4,000 people including extractions, opening teeth to drain abscesses and treating traumatic injuries.
She continues: “Coronavirus has not gone away, and it is likely we will be living with the virus and its consequences for some time to come. The return of dental services will be gradual, in line with the Welsh Government’s cautious, wider approach to easing lockdown.”
The chief officer explains that, as levels of coronavirus stabilise and the restrictions begin to ease, the Welsh Government are looking at how there can be a restart to normal dental services through three phases:
• First phase: Urgent dental centres and dental practices will introduce more treatments and a full range of care, including fillings, will be available at some local dental practices to everyone who urgently needs them and has experienced problems during lockdown. This group of people will be offered assessment and care first.
• Second phase: A full range of care will be available in more practices and prioritised for people who need treatment, including those who have had treatment delayed because of the pandemic.
• Third phase: Routine check-ups for people with no dental problems and good oral health will be resumed.
Dr Bridgman confirmed that the first phase will begin from the start of July - and be prioritised by need.
She said: “Strict infection control measures, including social distancing will be in place to protect dental practice staff and people being assessed. As normal dental services resume, we will continue to work to improve access to dental services for all.
“Everyone attending an NHS dentist will receive a full review of their teeth and gums as well as a detailed assessment of any known risks, keeping them informed about good oral health and to prevent future issues.
“We are very grateful to everyone who has been waiting for treatment during lockdown and will do our best to ensure everyone is treated as soon as it is possible to do so safely. Please continue to be patient and to enable those with the greatest needs to be treated first.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here