York MP welcomes return of routine dental services, after pressing the Health Secretary for answers
York MP Julian Sturdy has welcomed the announcement that dental surgeries can re-open for routine care from 8 June.
Mr Sturdy, MP for York Outer, had tabled written questions to Health Secretary Matt Hancock last month requesting clarification on the timeline and safety precautions for a resumption of the service.
Ordinary dental care has been suspended since 25 March, with emergency care being handled by urgent dental care hubs established around the country.
Dental surgeries can now re-open from Monday (June 8), if they can put in place the necessary safety measures.
Ready to raise issues
Julian said: “Although the suspension of routine dentistry was an understandable and essential part of the initial lockdown, I knew many local residents with pressing dental needs needed clarification on resumption as soon as possible, which is why I felt it was important to ask the government to spell out its plans.
“I also appreciate that dental practices must be supported to open safely, with the necessary protective and other equipment, which is why I tabled a question asking about the steps the Department of Health are taking to ensure practices have this.
“I am of course ready to keep pushing the government on this, and am happy to take up any issues that local patients or dental practices think need raising.”
One York dental practice says it will not be able to open for routine appointments by Monday.
Clock House Dental in Heworth posted on Facebook to say: “Our primary concern is still and always has been the safety of our patients’ and dental team, and as such we at Clock House Dental are in the exact same position in that we can only manage our patients with severe dental pain/ issues/ trauma, including bleeding and swelling.
“We appreciate this is a difficult time for patients, rest assured we as a team are just as eager to be back and commence treatment for those required.
“We are working hard to source the correct PPE and to have the correct procedures in place as outlined by NHS England guidance during this pandemic.”