DENTISTS across the country had to close as part of the first lockdown restrictions earlier this year, except for emergencies.

They were allowed to reopen in June but will they be able to remain open during the second national lockdown from Thursday?

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Will dentists be open during November lockdown?

Dentists will remain open during the second national lockdown and accept patients for normal appointments.

People are allowed to leave their home for medical reasons and Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged people to continue to use the NHS for treatment.

The British Association of Private Dentistry tweeted: “Despite an impending lockdown private practices will remain OPEN.

“It’s safe and essential to attend the dentist.

“We remain open to all, for both routine and emergency treatments. #DentalCare”.

Dental practices had been shut until June this year, except for emergency treatment, after Boris Johnson placed the UK into lockdown on Monday, March 23, in a bid to tackle coronavirus.

Treatments including routine fillings, root canals and scaling and polishing had been completely stopped unless the patient had a serious dental emergency.

But now dentists can continue somewhat normal service by seeing patients face-to-face as long as strict measures are adhered to.

Dentists were only able to see five patients when they reopened in June and most practices have been running a "skeleton service".

The British Dental Association warned there would be no return to "business as usual" for dentists.

One of the biggest concerns for dentists is a lack of personal protective equipment for their practices, which would stop them being able to safely carry out procedures.

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What are the new rules?

A number of rules have been put in place to ensure social distancing, according to the General Dental Council.

In reception and waiting areas, markers have been placed two metres apart while perspex shields are being used as physical barriers.

Staff are expected to be screened daily and face regular risk assessments.

Patients' time at reception desks will also be minimised, meaning digital appointment booking systems to be in place and limit on receipts.

In the treatment rooms, appointment times have been amended so that there is enough time in between to ensure decontamination protocols are being followed.

Meanwhile, sanitising stations have been put in place for patients to use upon entry, while dentists are required to have sufficient PPE stock in advance with many already wearing during treatment.

Can I get orthodontic treatment during lockdown?

Orthodontists are to remain open as well, joining dentists.

During the first lockdown it had only been operating on an extreme emergency basis where the patient would contact the practice or unit by phone and discuss ways of resolving their problem at home.

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