Covid 19
Covid 19
We, at West Green Dental are pleased to inform you that our surgery is open for limited face-to-face services.
Following government guidance, patients will be seen on a pre-booked appointment basis only. We are working hard to ensure that you will be treated in the safest possible way.
All patients will be triaged remotely for COVID-19 symptoms as well as their general health and dental needs. We have adapted our surgery protocols to include the use of enhanced PPE, decontamination procedures and extended appointment times. All your treatments will be planned carefully and will be managed in a calm and Covid 19 safe environment.
Patient pre appointment pack (PAP)
The way we deliver dental care has changed due to COVID-19. The PAP is designed to reflect our ‘new’ approach and will give you an indication of what to expect with regards to your journey through the practice.
The aim of this new protocol is to improve patient safety and patient flow within the practice. We will be sending out these packs digitally before your appointment. We would appreciate it if you could read the following information and fill in the attached forms, signed and dated and return them to us digitally before your next appointment or bring them to the appointment only if you are unable to send them digitally. If this is not possible please let us know before your appointment.
How do I prepare for my appointment?
Please ensure you have sent back the following forms digitally:
Medical history questionnaire, Treatment consent form, and any other forms where applicable.
Please bring your own face covering or mask with you to the appointment as well as a pen.
With the exception of children and patients with carers, please come alone to your appointment and arrive promptly at the time of your appointment. Only one consenting adult will be able to escort a child. Please note that if you require the attendance of a chaperone, he/she will only be allowed in the waiting room area. This person must not exhibit any COVID-19 symptoms or have a pre-existing medical condition that places them in the vulnerable or shielded groups category. Their admittance is conditional to them not being in these at-risk categories.
Please only bring essential items with you. Please consider leaving your coats and non-essential items in your car or bring a bag with you.
Please note that the toilet facilities will not be in use for patients unless in an emergency. We recommend that you should use your own toilet facilities before you attend your appointment.
Payments for treatments are to be made over the telephone before your appointment. If any balance of payment needs to be made after your treatment please be prepared to use your plastic payment card and the payment machine will be offered to you through the screen by the receptionist. Please try to arrive cool and calm. Please don’t run or race your bike to your appointment as your body temperature will be raised and you could appear feverish. Please also do not consume a hot drink just before your appointment time.
If you are unwell for any reason it is better to not come to the Dental Practice. If you suspect you have symptoms of COVID 19 please stay at home and follow NHS guidance.
What to expect when you arrive for your appointment?
The front door will be kept locked and we will only allow one patient in at a time. Upon arrival, please telephone reception on 0208 888 2408 or ring the doorbell and wait. Please do not enter until invited to do so. If you arrive by car please wait in your car until called in by your dentist. If you arrive by foot please be ready to wait outside, maintaining social distancing.
The appointments are staggered with space between patients so there should not be much waiting outside. It will be possible to maintain social distancing with other patients this way.
A member of our team will ask you to confirm your name, take your temperature (infrared thermometer) and to confirm your COVID-19 status.
Patients showing signs and symptoms will be asked to return home and contact 111.
A member of staff will offer you an alcohol hand gel rub and you will be directed to the surgery.
Many of us looking after you will also be wearing various levels of PPE and we are likely to be wearing a mask as we greet you. This is because we will be closer than 2 metres.
We will invite you into the surgery that will have been prepared for you as a safe environment. Your dentist and dental nurse will be wearing PPE with some extra layers being used as we start to carry out dental treatment.
What to expect at the end of your appointment?
At the end of the appointment you will be escorted by a member of staff to exit the building as quickly as possible. If you require any follow up appointments, they will be organised over the phone later in the day or the following day. Any follow up paper work required will be emailed to you. Please sanitise your hands using the alcohol gel located near the exit upon leaving the surgery.
Due to the high demand and our new work pattern, we will be operating at a reduced capacity in the foreseeable future. Some patients may be referred to our local Urgent Dental Centre UDC for treatment.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
We thank you for your patience and understanding and for working with us to manage your dentistry during these difficult times. We are determined that your experience under our care continues to be effective and reassuring while we offer you our detailed attention as comfortably and safely as possible.