Dental Care Update - January 2021
In response to the increase in coronavirus infections, we are all well aware that restrictions have been increased and Orkney has been moved to level 3. I would like to reassure the community that dentistry is part of healthcare and consequently dental services will continue unchanged.
Since November 1, Phase 4 of the NHS Dental Remobilisation Plan has been in effect. This means that NHS dental contractors are able to provide the full range of NHS treatments to all patients in need of both urgent and non-urgent care.
Your dentist has been given the difficult task of prioritising appointments and I would repeat my request for your continued patience and understanding. We are still waiting for a time when dentists can safely return to seeing the numbers of patients that used to be seen in practices each day.
I would also warn that practices will look very different when you attend. This is due to the public health measures that are in place to keep staff and patients safe. Waiting rooms may be closed and dental teams will be wearing more personal protective equipment than you may have been used to.
If you would like more information, useful resources are online as follows:
- General advice regarding Coronovirus: www.nhsinform.scot
- A short video describing NHS Dental Care: https://youtu.be/2BXCPJqIiqw
- Accessing dental care: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/healthy-living/coronavirus-covid-19-accessing-dental-services
I would like to offer my thanks to all those working to restore NHS dentistry in Orkney and both residents and visitors for their patience.
I know that it is frustrating not to be able to access your usual dental services. Now, more than ever, it is vital that we all take every care to look after our dental health at home every day. So, please can I ask each of us to do our best to protect our oral health. Twice daily toothbrushing, and restricting sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes are the cornerstones of good oral health. At this time it feels like these daily actions are even more important.
Our services are here to help you as best we can according to your need. If you need to contact us, we are available. Should you need to get in touch with a dentist, the access is described below;
During working hours:
- Patients registered either at The Balfour (01856 888258) or Garson (01856 850658) should contact the clinic where they are usually seen.
- Any patient who is not currently registered and who has an urgent dental problem should contact 01856 850658 and you will be directed accordingly.
- If you are registered at Deyanov Dental, then please contact on:
- Deyanov Dental - 07717477629
- If you are registered at Orkney Dental Kirkwall, Orkney Dental Stromness, or the Daisybank Clinic, then please contact them direct for advice on the following numbers:
- Orkney Dental Kirkwall – 01856 872030
- Orkney Dental Stromness – 01856 852815
- Daisybank Clinic – 01856 870547
Out of hours emergencies:
- Patients should use the usual process and contact NHS 24 (111)
Jay Wragg
Director of Dentistry
NHS Orkney