The New ‘Normal’ | COVID-19 Dental FAQ’s
June 4th, 2020
In line with the HSE and Irish Dental Council guidelines, all Dental Care Ireland practice have resumed normal service on a phased and gradual basis since Monday 18th May 2020. With that, we have introduced many changes and new measures ensuring the safety of patients, dentist and staff, and understandably people have questions. So we’ve answered your most frequently asked COVID-19 dental questions below:
- Are Dental Care Ireland practices open?
Yes. All Dental Care Ireland practices are now open and resuming care to patients. Your local practice’s contact details can be found here. We do ask that you do not visit your local practice in-person without a pre-arranged appointment.
- Is it safe to attend dental appointments while COVID-19 restrictions are still underway?
Yes. Dental Care Ireland have implemented a number of new measures to ensure everyone’s safety, including the following:
- Staggered & lengthened appointments
- Pre-appointment screening
- Staff and patient temperature checks
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Aerosol reduction/mitigation measures
- Increased infection prevention & control (IPC) processes
- Addition of air purifier machines
- Installation of Perspex screen for reception
During our transition to a new normal, Dental Care Ireland will be following the government, HSE and Irish Dental Council guidelines at all times.
- How do I book an appointment?
To book an appointment, contact your local Dental Care Ireland practice via phone or email. The team will be on hand explain our new measures and depending on when your appointment is, they may go through our screening process with you.
- Are you accepting new patients?
Yes. All Dental Care Ireland practices are welcoming new patients.
- I’m nervous about my appointment, what changes should I expect?
We understand taking a trip to the dentist can be daunting on the best of days, let along without the added anxiety of COVID-19.
But at Dental Care Ireland, while many things within the practice have changed, one thing has remained the same: our commitment to your safety. Therefore, you will notice that we have installed sanitisation stations, perspex screen for reception and air purifier machines in the surgery.
You’ll also find that our dentists, hygienists and nurses will be donning Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), but under the layers is still the same great team.
- What should I do if I have a dental emergency?
If you have a dental emergency, please call your local Dental Care Ireland practice immediately. A team member will be on hand to advise you on what to do next.
If you have jaw swelling that is causing difficulty in breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or facial trauma please go to your nearest A&E department.
Due to COVID-19, please do not arrive at the practice without an appointment.
- I’m over 70 years of age and have been ‘cocooning’, but I need to see a dentist. What should I do?
Call us. Our team will be able to advise you on your options.
If you are comfortable attending the practice, we will talk you through our new measures and arrange an appointment for you. But if you wish to continue ‘cocooning’, our team will be happy to provide telephone support and advice, so give us a call and one of our dentists will do their best to help you.
If you want to book a dental appointment with any Dental Care Ireland practice or or have a COVID-19 dental question we didn’t answer above, contact your local practice.
