MK Smiles reopens with advanced safety measures in place

    MK Smiles in Brooklands is now open for face to face appointments after being told dental practices are to close their front doors.

    Despite a surprise announcement from the Government, MK Smiles is excited and ready to open its doors to the public again. "Dental practices found out the same time as the general public when they could reopen which was a surprise to everyone," says Dr Uma Madhav. 

    The practice was open during lockdown for emergency patients only. When appropriate, they were giving advice over the phone and prescribing medication if needed. 

    "Patients were really happy they could call us and we could give advice and tips over the phone," said Dental Nurse Tamara Cupid. "A common issue was people who were in the middle of the orthodontic treatment had wires and brackets that needed to be changed or adjusted. We were able to provide orthodontic wax for them to pick up at the front door to help them get through until we could open."

    MK Smiles, alongside the whole of the dental community, has been busy putting new measures in place to ensure the safety of patients and staff. The Brooklands-based practice had two weeks to prepare and become compliant with the new standards laid out by the chief dental officer.

    There will be enhanced safety measures at MK Smiles, including:

    • FPP3 masks for all the staff. All masks are fit tested to ensure their safety
    • All staff have to wear visors, gowns and aprons whilst at the practice
    • MK Smiles has several hand sanitizing stations throughout the building
    • Limited number of patients in the building at the same time
    • Sneeze guard screens at the receptions
    • Contactless payment and electronic medical history forms
    • Covid pre questionnaire 48 hours before the appointment and on the day
    • MK Smiles has changed its air conditioning units/filters to work on extraction mode
    • The biggest asset is the purchase of filtration system that includes Catalysed UVC, HEPA, and carbon filters. The UV-Cleaning Light Technology Kills Germs, Bacteria & Viruses as Small As 0.3 Microns. These air purifiers will be positioned in the practice to help filter and purify the air
    • MK Smiles has added downtime after each patient to allow a thorough clean of the room and their floors
    • Temperature check upon entering the practice 

    The practice will be following a phased reopening, starting by seeing all emergency patients face-to-face to provide essential treatment. Secondly, MK Smiles will be seeing routine patients, rescheduled examinations, hygiene and routine appointments which do not involve aerosol-generating treatments.

    The third phase will include routine dental care, which may involve aerosol-generating treatment. The fourth phase would be back to the normal provision of care including cosmetic work.

    "We are keen to keep our patients updated at all times however government guidelines are continuously changing and these phases are subject to change," Dr Uma Madhav continues. 

    She also believes that it is likely digital dentistry may be the way forward so MK Smiles is investing in new software and scanning systems. Virtual consultations are also being offered, with free virtual consultations for cosmetic work also being available. 

    Currently, MK Smiles is hosting an offer on dental implants. Implants start from £1750. Book in to take advantage of this offer. Find out more on MK Smiles' website

    MK Smiles is also accepting new patients for routine and emergency care.

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