Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: 27th January 2022

A letter to all people in receipt of NHS Dental Care in Lothian
from Angus Walls, Director of Dentistry / NHS Lothian.

Dear Patients,

From Monday 19th July 2021, Scotland moved to COVID Protection Level 0 (zero). However, dental practices must still comply with IPC guidance (Infection Prevention and Control) which requires social distancing of patients and staff, fallow periods following aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) and use of enhanced PPE when carrying out AGPs. As a result, this means that we are still having to operate at a reduced capacity.

Priority is still being given to those in pain or with a dental emergency and to those with an urgent need to be seen. We are providing aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) where necessary and we will aim to do permanent fillings and complete treatment wherever possible. Due to pressure on our appointment system we still can’t provide routine examinations or scale and polishes. If you feel you need to be seen urgently then please get in touch and we will do our best to get you seen promptly. Please also be aware NHS patient charges have also returned for those who are not exempt.

For when ‘normal’ service may resume, there is currently a review of the IPC guidance being undertaken which will likely result in dental practices having to install more powerful ventilation systems to reduce fallow times. This should happen in August or September. The requirement to social distance will also have to be removed or reduced to allow extra foot fall in the pactice.

In the meantime we strongly advised you to maintain good oral hygiene for yourself and your family as prevention is always better than cure! Minimise sugar intake and snacking.

As stated, If you do have an urgent concern and wish to be seen for an examination then please call and we will do our best to accommodate.

We can still offer a full range of treatments including AGPs privately. To do this we have to wear enhanced PPE including a respirator facemask. We also require additional time, additional staff and we work between two surgeries. Inevitably this has increased our costs which is why we have had to introduce a ‘Covid levy’ to our fees. This is £40 on to our standard private fees. We can provide a private Exam, scale and polish and X-rays for £45. Please phone to check availability.

West Calder Dental Care – Private Price list

If you have Covid and have dental pain or if you require an AGP, then we will continue to refer you to our local urgent dental care centre (UDCC) which is now at Howden Health Centre.

Appointments must be pre-arranged by telephone. We ask that you attend alone where possible, bring as few belongings as possible, bring your own pen, and be aware the toilet is locked and you must request access from reception. Your Covid status and that of any chaperone will also be checked.

The staff will be dressed in PPE as this is the advice from our governing body. We will however continue to provide you with the best service we can in these difficult circumstances.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

There is a self help guide “Managing Dental Problems at Home”
that can be downloaded – HERE

Welcome to West Calder Dental Care.

At West Calder Dental Care, we have four qualified dentists serving West Calder and the surrounding areas in West Lothian and Edinburgh.

We hope to make you and your family as relaxed and comfortable as possible during your visit to our dental practice. We offer a full range of NHS and private treatments, including the latest cosmetic and restorative treatments founded on a fully preventive approach to oral health.

All of our friendly and qualified dentists are dedicated to preventive care and helping you maintain healthy teeth and gums.