Welcome back, one and all. To those who have been eagerly awaiting our urgent dental care, to those mid treatments awaiting crowns, bridges and continuation of Invisalign and especially to those who have spent far too long analysing their computerised reflection on video calls and simply want to improve upon what they have seen. How we have missed you all.
Following the shock announcement that dental practices can reopen, we worked tirelessly to make sure that all strict regulations were adhered to and all protocols were in place. As is often the case in the red taped life of a dental practice owner, we were buried in enough paperwork to build an entire new practice out of. But alas, it has been worth it, as we have started to welcome our patients back to the clinic safely.
I would love to say that our doors are now open, but I simply cannot make such a claim when the regulations now stipulate that they remain locked between patients! So yes, we are open…. But it’s not quite business as usual! We thought it would be nice to outline some of the changes that we have implemented to ensure the safety of our patrons and staff alike.
When booking your next appointment, you will be asked a series of questions that will help us to decide your Covid related risk. That will help us pick an appropriate time slot for your appointment. It will also enable us to decide whether you are fit and healthy enough to attend.
The forms that you would have been asked to fill in on your arrival are now all completed prior to your appointment via a secure online portal. This will minimise the contact and time spent at reception and means less paper wasted – a win for everyone, including Mother Nature!
You will be contacted 24 hours prior to your appointment to check there have been no changes in your medical status, and to also advice you of what to expect when you attend for your appointment.
A member of the team will advise you to attend at your allotted time, no earlier, as the reception area is no longer in use. You will be asked to use your facilities before attending, as the toilets are no longer in use. You should attend alone, bring minimal personal belongings and wear a face covering if possible, especially if you have been classed as ‘vulnerable’.
Any fees will be charged upfront at this stage, over the phone, if they have not already been taken. Again, this is to minimise contact and time spent at reception.
When you attend, the door will be locked to help us control the number of people on the premises. We will call you to let you know when your clinician is ready. On entering, your temperature will be taken, you will be asked to use our contactless alcohol spray and you will be provided with a face mask and plastic bag to store it in when not in use. Additional foot coverings will be used where needed.
You will immediately be escorted to your treatment room, be asked to wash your hands before being seated. Any further instructions during treatment will be given by your clinicians and assistant staff.
Once your treatment has been completed, you will be escorted back out via another spray of hand gel! Further appointments may be booked over the phone.
Though involving several changes, this ‘new norm’ is starting to feel ….. well…. normal for the team! However, we appreciate that for our patients, it may feel anything but normal! That is why we wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all for coping amazingly. Everyone has been so supportive and patient, it has absolutely blown us away! We consider ourselves so lucky (and perhaps spoilt) to have the patients we do at Chelsea and Fulham Dentist. From all of us, THANK YOU!
If you would like to book an appointment, please contact us on 02030801000 or email mail@cfdentist.co.uk You can also see our social media updates on Facebook and Instagram, why not follow us and help support this local, family business!
