Caring for you during COVID-19

Following the government announcement on the 4 January, I want to reassure you all that we will remain open to provide dental care to our existing patients.  Dentistry is an essential medical service and patients are entitled to travel for dental appointments.  We continue to prioritise those who have urgent needs and we are not yet offering routine appointments (unless you have been contacted by us).  I’m sad to say that we currently do not have capacity to take on new NHS patients and we are operating a waiting list for private patients.    

Please do not come to the practice without an appointment.  We continue to operate a telephone triage service, where a Dentist will assess you via telephone and make any appointments that you require.  Our lines are very busy, particularly between the hours of 9am – 11am, so avoid these times if you can.  If you do not get through, please leave a voice message.  Alternatively, email reception@countyroadental.co.uk 

We really appreciate your patience.  Our capacity to see you face to face has been radically reduced (from approximately 15 patients per hour to 2-3).  We share your frustrations but equally, we know we have a responsibility to keep you and our colleagues safe.  

Information on attending a pre-arranged appointment

Form filling – it is vital that you complete your forms (COVID screening, medical history, NHS form (unless you are a Practice Plan patient) and personal details) IN ADVANCE.  Please give us your email address so that you can complete them from the comfort of your own home.  If you can’t do this, then a member of our Reception team can do it over the phone, but it does take up a lot of precious time.  Also, for NHS patients, we can complete the form on your behalf, but you must be absolutely certain of your exemption from having to pay NHS charges.  Although we are signing on your behalf you will still be liable for any fines that are imposed by the NHS for incorrectly claiming of exemption.  So if you can, please please do those forms electronically!

Waiting room – At present the waiting room is only available to frail / elderly patients who do not have a car to wait in. For everyone else, please wait until your appointment time, when you can ring the door bell.

Attend on your own – you need to attend your appointment on your own, unless you have made arrangements with us in advance.

Other precautions – upon entry, we will ask you to wear a mask and sanitise your hands. We will screen you for COVID 19. If you have any symptoms of COVID 19, you must not come to the practice, but let us know as soon as you are able.

PPE & infection control – for some dental treatments we now need to wear a higher level of PPE. Please don’t be alarmed, it is still us underneath the masks and gowns. Each surgery and common area undergoes a thorough clean between patients.

Dental charges – if there are charges to be paid we will ask that you pay over the telephone or using a contactless card on arrival (less than £45).   Our ability to take cash and give change will be greatly reduced as it is a key way of transmitting the virus.  

With my very best wishes

Paul Geoghegan, Principal Dentist