Dealing With The Corona Virus – Our Practice Policy

October 12, 2021

The Corona Virus (Covid 19) has now affected about 110 countries in the world. We as a dental practice take the well-being of our patients very seriously and have a few policies in place to offer the best standards of patient care without creating an atmosphere of panic.

The illness Covid – 19 can affect the lungs and airways and is caused by a virus called the coronavirus. Most often, spreads from person to person happen among close contacts (about 3 feet). Person-to-person spread is thought to occur mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

The Practice Policy

As with any healthcare issue, Smile Circle takes cross-contamination seriously. The approach towards the spread and potential contamination of Corona Virus is the same as all other potential threats.

The practice will continue to uphold its exemplary standards of Cross infection with the use of Face Masks, hand sanitary care and hospital standards of instrument sterilization as well as the use of disposable items where applicable.

We only encourage the postponement of treatment to patients who have travelled to the affected areas which can be found on the NHS website here

We ask you to postpone your appointment by 14 days if you have recently travelled to any of these areas. We thank you for your understanding.

Unfortunately, because of the relative difficulty in obtaining face masks, we cannot offer to supply our patients with face masks. Naturally, there are hand sanitisers in all areas of the surgery both clinical and non-clinical for staff and Patient use.

Policy for Short Notice Cancellation (SNC) Charges for Appointments

1. Have you been to an affected place in the last 14 days?
2. Have you had contact with somebody with coronavirus?
3. Do they have a fever, coughing or shortness of breath?

If they answer yes to any of the above then you will not be attending and not be charged. Any other reason, as per normal, will be an SNC charge.

More Information and answers to FAQs can be found Here

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01256 893 517