COVID-19


( UPDATE - 18th January 2021 )

Dear patients,


We have had a lot of telephone calls and enquiries asking if we are still open during Lockdown 3. We would like to re-assure our patients that we are, and will, remain open.

As far as we know - dental practices will NOT be fully closed again as they were in the first lockdown, although we may need to return to emergencies only/minimal capacity if instructed to do so.

Please be assured we now have ample supplies of the necessary PPE and strict Operating Procedures in place which allow us to keep working and caring for you safely.

There may be occasions where we need to prioritise patients, or re-arrange due to staff isolation issues etc. as they arise, so please bear with us.

We are slowly recalling overdue exams, so please wait for your recall by text, email or letter.

If you are still awaiting treatment to be completed that was cancelled during previous lockdowns, please give us a call and we can look into this for you.


Stay safe and keep well.


The team at DCO Dental






( UPDATE - 23th December 2020 )

Dear patients,


We hope you are all safe and well and getting to spend some much needed time with your loved ones on Christmas Day.

We just wanted to write to you with where we are now up to as 2020 draws to a close.


OUTSTANDING TREATMENTS

We have been working very hard to catch up with the backlog of cancelled treatments and emergencies through lockdown and we feel we are getting through this list for the most part. Please understand this list was huge and had 1000's of names on. If you are awaiting treatment and we have not yet contacted you, please feel free to call us and we can check and get you booked in.


EXAMINATIONS (Check Ups)

Working through the treatment list now means we can look at a way to start reintroducing exams in 2021 in a safe and organised way. We have spoken to our dental software providers at length this morning and they have helped us set up an automated recall system. For example - in January, we will recall March 20 overdue patients and then in February we will recall April 20 overdue patients, until we have caught up. PLEASE WAIT TO RECEIVE YOUR RECALL REMINDER FOR CHECK UPS. I cannot stress this enough to you. We have over 20,000 patients and our reception team will not be able to cope with all of our patients ringing to book check ups in.

The only people that we politely ask should ring reception are those still waiting for treatment that we may not have contacted already, as described above, and as always people in pain and in need of urgent care.



SOCIAL DISTANCING

As we become busier, it will become more of a challenge to maintain current safe procedures and social distancing. For this reason, we must stress and request that you follow our practice policies at the moment, which include:

Finally, thank you to all of our patients for your support and patience during these difficult and trying times for everyone.


With kind regards,


The team at DCO Dental






( UPDATE - 19th July 2020 )

Dear patients,

Firstly, we would like to say thank you. Our first month back has been hectic whilst we've caught up with triaging and seeing those most in need from the lockdown period. Thank you for being patient, and it has been so lovely to be able to help you all and see how grateful you have all been Image removed by sender.

We are still working behind a Closed-Door Policy seeing emergencies only.

However: We have worked hard to source PPE, train in mask fit testing and have now tested & equipped all our clinical team. We now feel we are in a position to try and reduce the telephone triage to be able to offer more face to face appointments. PLEASE REMEMBER THESE ARE STILL FOR URGENT CARE ONLY - we are not offering any routine appointments at the moment.

From tomorrow - we will only be offering telephone & video consultations until 1pm. Afternoons will be dedicated to face to face clinical sessions. Therefore, if you are in urgent need of care or advice - please try to call us in the morning. Anyone calling in the afternoons may be asked to ring back the next morning or added to a triage call list for the next day.

Thank you for your understanding and patience during these trying times. We do hope you and all of your loved ones are safe and well.


With kind regards,


The DCO Team






( 4th June 2020 )

Dear patients,


We hope this letter finds you and your family in good health.

We are reaching out to you with an update in respect to dental practices re-opening FROM the 8th June, as announced in the news and media.

We understand our re-opening will be met with some joy as patients seek to have problems seen to, resume unfinished treatment plans and to return to their normal routine, BUT we really need to ask for your patience and understanding whilst we work through this challenge.

It will take some time before services return to what you previously experienced as normal.

There will be several new stresses as we try and function around a limited PPE stock, employ adequate social distancing measures and work in the safest way possible for our staff and our patients.

This means our practices will look and function a little differently and each will have personalised measures we will share with you and ask you to comply with to help us keep on track.

Our return to work will be gradual, and so there will be some prioritising of patients with problems which we’d ask you to understand. Guidance released over the last week suggests "phases" which are dependant on several factors – including the UK Covid Threat Level. We are still at Level 4 and so are advised against aerosol generating procedures (using the dental drill for example) until the threat level reduces further. This means we are restricted to what treatments we can offer when you attend.

There may be times when we choose to call or video triage you as opposed to bringing you to the surgery and so help to limit your travel and exposure.

Initially our receptionists, who generally bear the stress of communications, will be working even harder than usual to speak to the patients who need them and so please be kind as they’ll be doing their best to work through a tremendous number of calls.

The dentists and nurses may be dressed differently and your journey through the practice will be different but this will only be through necessity, not through choice.

Infection control has always been a top priority for our practice and you may have seen this during your visits to our surgery. Our processes are designed so that when you receive care, it’s both safe and comfortable. Our practice follows infection control guidelines set by the governing bodies and are up-to-date with all the new guidance that has been issued.

You may see some changes when it is time for your next appointment. We made these changes to help protect our patients and staff. For example:

How you can help:

During June, please help us by not calling reception to arrange or change routine visits. We will be answering emergency calls only to begin.

As our journey continues, we will keep in touch so that all our patients understand how our progress will affect future care and appointments.


Stay safe


With kind regards,


The DCO Team






( 29th May 2020 )

Evening all,


We presume you all seen the news stating we can now begin to open from the 8th June.

Please bear with us - we found out at the same time whilst watching the news with you!

So we are waiting on the official green light and some further guidance on how we can open and operate quickly, yet safely.

We predict a phased return, starting with emergencies only.

We have kept a record of those who we have triaged and advised over the last few weeks, and those who still have outstanding treatment. But please understand we MUST prioritise.

Please do not contact reception over the next couple of weeks unless you have an emergency - we will be working hard next week to get ready and will keep you updated.

Lastly - we welcome this news and look forward to seeing you all again as soon we're ready and assured both us and you are safe.)


Best Wishes,


The DCO Team






( 27th March 2020 )

Dear Patients,


We have now received further guidance that all face to face dentistry must now cease. Practices are now closed to the public.

We do still have staff working to answer calls and clinicians are available to triage emergencies. Please note these emergencies are:

For other, less urgent emergencies - please see below our Advice Sheet for managing toothache at home.

Provisions are urgently being put in place so that patients will soon be able to access a centralised urgent dental care service. As soon as this is up and running, we will update you further.

Please stay safe and follow government measures to help tackle COVID-19.


Best Wishes,


The team at DCO Dental



Dental Emergencies Homecare Advice
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( 19th March 2020 )

Dear Patients,


I am sure you aware of the current situation the country is facing regarding COVID-19.

Firstly, all the team at DCO would like to send you our best wishes - and we hope that you and your families and friends stay safe during this worrying time.

We have, last night, received some local guidance - and so are writing to you to let you know how DCO will be operating over the next few weeks at least.

We have been advised that ALL routine examinations are delayed.

We are to try and minimise aerosol generating procedures (drilling and scaling for example)

We are to try and protect our vulnerable patients by assessing if you are in one of those categories and advising you to refrain from dental visits, unless you are in pain.

The dentists are currently assessing treatment plans and communicating with reception as to which patients we think we can see.


Please bear with us during these difficult times - and work with us to follow guidance:

If you develop symptoms up to 7 days after attending DCO Dental Group - it is really important that you please call us and let us know.


Take care during these trying times.


Best Wishes,


The team at DCO Dental