As you are only too aware the last few weeks have seen unprecedented measures being taken throughout the world in relation to the coronavirus outbreak.

St Mary’s Dental have taken advice from numerous bodies including the Chief Dental Officer, NHS England, Care Quality Commission and the GDC following every step of their decision making over the last three weeks. The current situation is that we are no longer able to have patients attending the practice for routine or emergency treatment.

We have postponed all routine appointments in April and early May for the time being, as the situation is so fluid. We will however be going through the list for the rest of May and June, and if we identify anyone in the “at risk” category we will contact you to reschedule your routine appointment in accordance with government advice.

If you do have a dental emergency, please call the practice on 01780 755005, the message will direct you to a mobile number and I am on the other end of this number. I will video chat with you to identify the problem, I can offer advice, as well as tooth repair/crown recement kits, various gels and mouthwashes and antibiotics (free for Denplan patients), that I can either drop off or leave on the practice doorstep for you to collect. A prescription of antibiotics can be faxed to Stamford Pharmacy on St Mary’s Hill, which may be more cost effective for private patients. There is a facility to see severe dental emergencies that require more intervention and I am here to facilitate this for you should the need arise.

For my Denplan patient’s I am acutely conscious that you are paying a monthly fee to the practice, which covers routine care and also emergency cover 365 days a year. I would personally like to reassure you that any oral health examinations and hygiene appointments missed during the pandemic period will be carried out as soon as we are able to return to some sort of normality. We are committed to your care and please be assured that a member of staff and myself are here to provide the best service we possibly can.

There is no denying, that as an independent business these times are challenging, difficult and worrying. However, I am confident that with the support from you, our loyal patients, and the right support from the government we will ride through this storm and be here to look after your oral health in many years to come.

We would ask that everyone take extra care to look after their dental health over the coming weeks and months and please contact us to assist with delivery of any specialist dental products that you have used and require more of. We are regularly updating our social media platforms with updates on information about the practice and also useful tips on taking care of your teeth.
As a practice we wanted you all to know that we are trying to play our part in the fight against Covid-19. We have donated boxes of masks to the Sheepmarket Surgery, and the Community midwives. Hand sanitiser to the Stamford pharmacy, and Peterborough City Hospital. Saima and Martina, the Practice Manager, have volunteered their services to the NHS and are waiting to be deployed. We have also donated 10% of our Denplan fees for March to the Sue Ryder Hospice who have provided the people of this area outstanding end of life care.

Finally, as a practice we have always put kindness and care at the forefront of what we do. These are concerning times that we are all going through but we continue to stand by our values. If you are an adult living on your own and feel you need to chat to someone please give us a call and reach out, we are here.

Please stay safe and keep well

Kindest regards,

Miss Saima Rennie BDS
Principal dentist