Are dentists still open today and can I get an emergency appointment? – The Sun
IF you're experiencing toothache during the coronavirus outbreak you may have to wait a while until you're able to get to a dentist.
The British Dental Association (BDA) has advised dentists that they should close their doors for all but emergency cases.
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It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered a three-week lockdown of the UK on Monday, March 23, in a bid to tackle the coronavirus "national emergency".
The lockdown is due to be reviewed – and possibly extended – on Tuesday, April 14.
Consistent with Government advice to limit social contact, dentists across the country will therefore be closing to prevent the spread of the bug.
There has yet to be official guidance on whether dentists should close, however patients are advised to call their practice and check.
Treatments including routine fillings, root canals and scaling and polishing will be completely stopped unless the patient has a serious medical emergency of dental cause.
The BDA said: "Given the uncertainty and reflecting the practical consequences of the current official advice, we recommend that practices cease routine dentistry and operate an advice and emergency service only."
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The British Orthodontic Society is also advising that no orthodontic patient should attend any clinic at this time.
In an extreme emergency, the patient should contact the practice or unit by phone and discuss ways of resolving their problem at home.
Telephone advice will still remain available during normal hours at the majority of dental surgeries.
Certain emergency procedures will still be undertaken but only for those without symptoms of Covid-19 – which are usually a high temperature and a new, continuous cough.
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Delivery of urgent care to anyone with symptoms of coronavirus will take place at "designated urgent dental care centres".
Dentists who spoke anonymously to the BBC on March 18 said there have been widespread concerns within the profession due to their work in close The BDA has also said Covid-19 represents a "major risk" to the financial viability of dental practices due to closures.
Chief Executive Martin Woodrow revealed that the BDA had been in touch with the team at NHS England to urge the importance of agreeing financial support for practices.
The PM on Monday, March 23, said people must stay at home except for shopping for basic necessities, exercise, medical need and travelling to and from work for key workers.
Mr Johnson threatened the nation with fines if they did not obey the new rules.
The restrictions remained in place over the sunny Easter Bank Holiday weekend, as the NHS saw a rise in admissions.
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