Dear Patients

The sudden announcement on Thursday 28^th May that dental practices may open and see patients from the 8^th June was both a relief and shock to us at Hythe Dental Care. Relief, because we will be able to get back to helping our patients who have experienced problems during the lockdown and have not been able to access dental services and shock because this has not left us much time to get ready for seeing patients in a safe environment. Since we were told on the 18^th March to stop face to face consultations, I have been examining the science behind this decision and exploring ways that would enable us to begin work again that would be both safe for our patients and of course for the staff as well.

Obtaining the correct PPE has been a huge challenge and not only has it been scarce to get but also the promised delivery of certain articles has not yet materialised. The waiting room, hallway and reception flooring has been changed to allow better sterilisation procedures and social distancing measures have been implemented. Hand sanitation dispensers will be available for use at various areas of the practice. A protective screen has been installed at reception and contactless arrivals and departures will become necessary. A washer/dryer has been installed to clean all staff clinical wear on site and staff changing facilities have been built. New policies and protocols are being drafted and staff training is taking place to correctly implement these protocols. We are trying our very best to be  ready to see patients from the 8^th June. This is largely dependant on the arrival of the correct PPE, however we will always keep you informed.

Please ensure you make every effort to attend any appointments made. A failure to attend appointments without 24 hour notice will incur a £40 fee due to the premium placed on treatment times available.

When the practice re-opens, due to new protocols, your dental visit will no longer be the same as before, as with everything post COVID19, we will have to have a new normal:

• Patients will be telephoned the day before your appointment by a member of staff to check relevant medical details.
• Patients will need to attend with a face covering in place, this may take the form of a scarf, covering both nose and face, a re-usable face mask or any cloth covering over both nose and face. Unfortunately due to ongoing PPE shortages, it will not be possible for the practice to provide you with a medical mask, we will not be able to allow you to enter the premises without a mask in place.
• Patients will be asked to arrive at the correct time for their appointments and waiting room areas will be restricted to 4 people at a time so we may ask you to wait outside the practice before you can enter. If possible we would prefer if you can attend alone. This allows social distancing measures to be effective.
• Please follow the one way directional arrows to take a seat in the waiting room, at times you may be directed directly into the surgery.
• Once seated in the treatment room, you will be asked to remove your face covering and place it into the paper bag provided.
• After your appointment is completed, you will need to replace your face covering before leaving the surgery, any payments necessary will be done at reception. We ask that if possible you pay by card (contactless if under £45), online directly into our bank account or with 3^rd party providers eg. Apple pay. If you wish to pay by cheque then please bring your own pen to sign. Cash payments will still be accepted but the correct amount must be placed in an envelope and left at reception.
• Any future appointments will be made by the receptionist. You may then leave the practice, again following the one way directional arrows.
• Toilet facilities will not be available.

Thank you for your continued patience, understanding and support during this pandemic. We have always strived to provide the best possible care in the safest environment for you, our valued patients and will continue to do so to the best of our abilities. Updates to our situation will always be available on our website www.hythedentalcare.com, please check regularly.