Covid-19 Update

Our practice is open to carry out dental treatments and are transitioning towards the resumption of all dental services. However, please note that we are still currently prioritising urgent care under the NHS and therefore any more routine treatments may not be available under the NHS at this time. Your dentist will advise you of any treatment options at your check up or consultation appointment.

The Hygienist is also available and appointments can be booked by phoning the practice. For those patients at risk of periodontal (gum) disease it is important that you see the Hygienist regularly to avoid deterioration of your gum condition.

Please do NOT attend the practice without an appointment. You will NOT be able to enter the premises merely to request an appointment. You will need to phone or email the practice first.

If you do have an appointment, we would like to advise you of the following instructions:

• Patients are required to attend alone, unless accompanied by one parent (where the patient is under 16) or carer
• Anyone entering the practice will be required to wear a mask or face covering on entry
• Hand sanitiser will be available on entry, which must be used
• No other belongings should be brought with you e.g. bags, unless a small handbag is absolutely necessary
• No toilet facilities will be available
• Brush your teeth thoroughly just before arrival
• We may check your temperature on arrival

We may ask you to complete a Covid questionnaire and medical history electronically prior to arrival, for which we will require an email address.

On arrival, you will be requested to remain outside or in your vehicle until one of our team contacts you to inform you that we are ready to see you.

To ensure a safe environment, we will:

• Install Perspex panels along the reception desk
• Clearly mark out respecting social distance recommendations
• Manage appointments to allow for social distancing between patients
• Equip our dental team with additional PPE when in the treatment rooms
• Use thorough cleaning techniques to decontaminate the treatment rooms and communal areas at regular intervals, to ensure a safe environment
• Remove magazines from the waiting areas

It is important that you do NOT enter the premises if you have any Covid symptoms:

• High temperature or fever
• New persistent, dry cough
• Loss or change in your sense of smell or taste

You must also not enter the premises if you have been living in the same household with anyone who has had Covid symptoms in the last 14 days, or you have been contacted by NHS track and trace and informed that you have been in contact with an individual who has subsequently tested Covid positive. We will be happy to reschedule your appointment in these situations.

Please avoid attending the practice if you are a shielded patient or consider yourself vulnerable, unless you have a genuine urgent dental problem.

We are sure you understand the above measures are vital to minimise spread of Coronavirus and will remain in place as long as the national Covid alert level remains high.

We are available Mon-Fri regarding any dental problems or concerns you may have during this pandemic. In many cases, one of our dentists will speak to you by telephone and be able to offer advice, including appropriate painkillers, as well as remotely prescribe antibiotics when appropriate.  This will avoid face-to-face contact as much as possible.

In some cases, where required treatment is not possible at our practice, we may need to refer patients to one of the regional Covid-19 urgent dental centres.

You can telephone the practice on 01923 225437 or email us directly on info@watford-dental.com or via the Contact section on this website.

Once again, we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this may cause and we are kindly asking for your understanding and patience at this difficult time.

Thank you.

A handy guide for coping with dental problems and pain at home - Click here to view

Support and activities for children whilst they're at home - Click here to view

Top tips to help prevent tooth decay - Click here to view

Top tips on brushing childrens teeth - Click here to view

Top tips for family toothbrushing - Click here to view

Top tips for healthy gums - Click here to view

Top tips to help manage sensitive teeth - Cick here to view