Dental check-ups and hygienist visits may have to wait due to Covid

The Government announced back in May that dental practices could begin to reopen from June and start to provide a limited range of face to face treatment, along with requirements around PPE.

But a letter, set to be discussed by Leeds City Councillors next week, claimed routine check-ups and hygienist appointments may continue to be put on the back burner while more serious cases are prioritised, following the lifting of restrictions.

The document, from NHS England Yorkshire and Humber, claims: “Yorkshire and the Humber is actively supporting dentistry to resume NHS dental services safely and effectively and in accordance with advice set out by the Chief Dental Officer.”

It added there were 86 dental practices in Leeds, with all bar one have now reopened, offering a “limited range of face to face services”.

This may mean the scheduling of patients’ treatment would take into account the “urgency of needs”, with particular emphasis on the unmet needs of vulnerable groups.

While resumption of the “full range of routine dental care” will vary by individual practice, it is anticipated that a return to routine dental check-ups and hygienist appointments will “come later”.

The letter added: “As we support practices to resume services, urgent dental centres will remain in operation across the region to provide urgent dental treatment particularly where practices have not yet resumed face to face care.

“Dental practices will look different as they will be operating in a way that observes COVID-19 social distancing and hygiene rules, as part of measures taken to ensure the safety patients and the dental team alike.

“Whilst we are observing social distancing, patients should continue to telephone or email their practice, rather than attending in person without an appointment.

“If you have a regular dentist, you should call them as a first step. The dentist will assess your situation over the phone, including giving advice and, if needed, prescriptions for painkillers or antibiotics, or arranging treatment.

“NHS England remains committed to the local strategic aims, which are to improve access and inequalities across the region, improve oral health and ensure value for money.

“Work will continue to develop the approach to flexible commissioning and this strategic direction will continue to be the focus but at this time the emphasis is on supporting practices to re-open and provide as wide a range of services as soon as it is practicable and safe to do so.”

NHS dental provisions will be discussed by Leeds City Council’s health scrutiny board on Tuesday, September 15.