Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Dental Excellence FAQs

As the lockdown restrictions start to lift in Ireland we’re pleased to say that we’re open again.

We appreciate you may be nervous about visiting us and know you’ll have questions, so we’ve put together some FAQs to help both existing and new patients.

If you can’t see the answer to your questions below, or have a question relating to your own oral care, you can also message us on Facebook.

1. Is Dental Excellence Athlone open again?

Yes, we are open for regular care.  We kindly ask that you do not visit the practice in-person without a pre-arranged appointment.

We’ve been working hard to put extra safety measures in place to keep patients and practice team safe.  Please see our COVID-19 safety charter for more information.

2. Can I make a new appointment?

 Yes.  Please contact the practice to make a booking as you need to have an appointment before you arrive.

We’ll be asking every patient that visits us to follow a few simple steps – our team will explain everything to you when you book.  Please also read our COVID-19 safety charter for a summary of all the additional new measures we have put in place to keep you safe.

3. Are you accepting new patients?

 Yes we’re welcoming new patients.  Please contact your local practice to make an appointment.

4. Is it safe to have dental treatment while some COVID-19 restrictions are still in place?

 Yes, it is safe to be treated. Social distancing measures are in place, robust PPE (personal protective equipment) is being used, and enhanced infection control measures have been implemented.  Please see our COVID-19 safety charter for more information on how we’re keeping you and our practice team safe.

Please also be aware that our dentists, hygienists and nurses will be wearing more protective clothing and face wear than they did before.  This is only to keep you and our clinical team safe.  They’re still the same friendly people underneath!

5. What extra safety measures have you put in place?

 Following the COVID-19 outbreak, we’ve taken the essential decision to put extra patient protection measures in place based on the best available evidence and international opinion.  It’s to ensure your safety so you can continue to visit our dentists with full peace of mind.

So, when you next come into practice, there will be some additional safety enhancements – find out more in our COVID-19 safety charter.

We’ll be asking every patient that visits us to follow a few simple steps – our team will explain everything to you when you book.

6. Do I need to do anything before I come into Dental Excellence Athlone?

To protect you and our team, there are a number of new safety measures we’ve introduced and would like you to follow if visiting our practice.  Please see our COVID-19 safety charter for further information.

7. What is the waiting time for an appointment?

 Our priority is to see patients as soon as we can, at a time that suits you, which is why our practice is open at weekends.

Please give us a call to book an appointment and we will see you as soon as we can.

8. I’m nervous about visiting the dentist, what can I expect?

 Let’s face it, not many people look forward to going to the dentist and that’s without the extra complexity of COVID-19.  So we completely understand you may be more nervous about visiting the dentist than normal.

The truth is, your visit will be different.  There will be more safety measures in place and consequently, our practice will feel more ‘clinical’.  Our dentists, hygienists and nurses will be wearing more safety clothing and face wear, and our reception team will be behind screens and wearing masks too.  We’ll also ask you to use hand sanitiser and wear a face mask while in practice (these will be provided), but it’s only for everyone’s protection.

Of course in reality, underneath the protective equipment, it’s still the same practice team providing your dental care.

If your child is visiting the dentist, then we suggest you have a chat with them beforehand to explain that things might be a little different than last time they visited. But explain that there’s absolutely nothing to worry about. You could run through some of the simple steps to follow when visiting the practice to help them to understand what’s going to happen.

Most appointments last between 15-30 minutes and it’s important to maintain good oral health.  Please let the practice know if you’re particularly anxious, and they will do their best to look after you once you arrive.

9. I’m in the process of ongoing treatment what shall I do?

If you’re mid-way through treatment, please call the practice & we will advise you of the best next steps.

10. What do I do if I have a dental emergency?

 If you have a dental emergency, please call your local practice to book an appointment.  If you’re not currently a patient at the practice you can still call us on 0906475387.

Please do not arrive at our practice without an appointment, as we’ll be unable to see you.

Patients should visit A&E if they have jaw swelling that is causing difficulty in breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or facial trauma.

11. I have a dental emergency but have COVID-19 / am showing symptoms / live with someone with COVID-19, what can I do?

 Whether you’re an existing or new patient, if you’re experiencing acute pain or a dental emergency, please call us on 0906475387 and one of our dentists will advise you what to do next.

12. I fall into the ‘cocoon’ category and I need to see a dentist, what shall I do?

When you make an appointment, please let the team know you fall into the ‘cocoon’ category and what, if any, extra assistance you need when you visit.

You may also be reassured to know that we’ve introduced extra safety measures to keep everyone as safe as possible – please take a look at our COVID-19 safety charter for full details.

If you’d rather not visit us in practice, our practice is still providing telephone support and advice, so give us a call and one of our dentists will do their best to help you.

If the dentist offers you a prescription over the phone, this will be sent to your local pharmacy, and another person can collect this on your behalf.

From Dental Excellence Athlone

The health, wellbeing and safety of our patients, their families and our people remain our top priority at Dental Excellence. We’d like to thank our patients for their understanding during these unusual times.

The latest opening status of our practice can be found at: Keeping COVID-19 Safe hub.

We have introduced new safety measures in practice, please see our COVID-19 safety charter for more information.