Dental practices have started to reopen today as lockdown restrictions are eased – but there are concerns in the industry that some patients could pay up to £25 extra to cover the cost of PPE kit.
High hygiene standards before the coronavirus pandemic struck have long meant dentists are required to wear gloves, masks and protective clothing.
However, since they cannot adhere to social distancing measures in a post-corona world, this kit can also now include perspex visors and protective eyewear, along with shoe and hair coverings.
Practices are now handing out shoe covers to patients, while coats and other accessories may need to be placed in a sterilised box for the duration of their appointment.
And dentists are concerned they will need to add a PPE fee of up to £25 to each patient’s bill to cover the costs.
Dental practices have started to reopen today as lockdown restrictions are eased – but there are concerns in the industry that some patients could pay up to £25 extra to cover the cost of PPE kit. Above, Dr Roy Woodhoo wears PPE as he examines the first patient through the doors at Woodford Dental Care in north London today
‘Each gown is £5 and needs to be thrown away after each patient, and our total PPE cost per patient is £25,’ Dr Mervyn Druian from The London Centre for Cosmetic Dentistry, in Belsize Park, north-west London, told the Daily Telegraph.
Although the fee may be applied by those in private dentistry, a planned increase in NHS charges was shelved by government in April, because of the pandemic.
A BDA spokesman said: ‘The British Dental Association has long opposed increases in NHS charges, as they have been used as cover for significant government cuts.
‘The cost of PPE for treating a single patient has increased by 6,000% and we believe government has a responsiblity to intervene, and integrate dentistry into its supply chain and wider PPE strategy.
‘We are currently reliant on commerical wholesalers. Private charges are at the discretion of indivudal providers.
‘The combination of a huge fall in patient numbers and higher costs could decimate the sector, and leave millions without access.’
Surgeries across the country will need to comply with the government’s PPE and Infection Prevention Control requirements before opening.
Sara Hurley, the Chief Dentistry Officer (CDO) for England, conceded that dentists will still need to offer online consultations and that there would be drastic changes to how surgeries operate, the Sun reported.
She said surgeries may have to be modified depending on their layout.
Waiting rooms may need to be partitioned with perspex glass, magazines and children’s toys could be removed, and chairs will need to be set in line with the two-metre rule.
Although the fee may be applied by those in private dentistry, a planned increase in NHS charges was shelved by government in April, because of the pandemic. Above, dentist Donal O’Halloran carries out an urgent procedure today in Penryn, Cornwall
She said patients will be accepted depending on the severity of the condition.
The plans were developed in consultation with groups including the BDA.
The BDA has welcomed the plans, but warned that expectations need to be managed adding that infection control and social distancing could reduce capacity by up to two thirds.
The dental trade union added that the availability of PPE may limit the speed that dental care is restored, with different practices likely to vary.
Meanwhile, patients face agonising waits for fillings despite dentists being allowed to reopen, their professional body has warned.
Only a third of dentists are set to offer face-to-face appointments this week and nine in ten say they lack the necessary PPE to offer routine procedures.
Practices can reopen if strict coronavirus safety measures are in place.
But the British Dental Association (BDA) said PPE shortages mean the majority will still be unable to perform any procedures requiring drills.
A poll of 2,053 surgeries found just 36 per cent plan to resume appointments.
Nearly three quarters said PPE shortages meant they would be unable to perform ‘aerosol generating procedures’ (AGP) – anything involving a drill.
Mick Armstrong, of the BDA, said: ‘Those practices reopening now face fewer patients and higher costs and will struggle to meet demand.
‘Dentists returning to work still lack the support offered to our neighbours on the high street, and even clarity on key worker status when it comes to childcare.
‘Ministers must change tack if dentistry is going to survive the new normal.’
Dentists have already been told to stop AGPs for all patients receiving non-urgent care.
Where necessary, the dental team must all wear a full face shield, goggles or visor in addition to a surgical face mask to protect themselves from airborne droplets.
Before the coronavirus outbreak, the 10,000 practices in England would typically carry out 3.25million appointments a month.
But millions of appointments will be cut each month, with practices only able to see a handful of patients a day.
Commenting on the poll, Labour’s shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said: ‘This will no doubt have been an agonising time for those suffering from dental problems during the lockdown.
‘The reopening of dental practices is a welcome step, but it is vital that this doesn’t risk the health of dentists, patients and staff.’