To all of our patients,
Before I start: Please have a look at our new practice video showing you what your next appointment will be like as soon as you can - there are big changes and it will make your visit much easier. Link here
I hope that you and your families are well.
Increasing our service to you
You will be aware that York Place Dental reopened for urgent and emergency treatment on 8th June. Since then both we and our patients have been feeling our way through working in a completely new way. It's been rather like returning to a completely different job and our skeleton team have been working hard whilst also digesting and implementing constantly changing national guidance.
By necessity, appointments with your dentist or hygienist have to be longer, so we are able to see fewer patients a day until the covid risk level drops still further. Whilst some procedures have had to be delayed, last week's announcement of a drop to covid level 3 does allow us a little more leeway.
Restarting the hygiene department
On the 1st of July we will bring our remaining team out of furlough and reopen the hygiene department. Our aim is to ensure that you are as healthy as possible and that those at highest risk of dental health problems are seen by the hygienist as quickly as possible. Whilst we can carry out a wide range of hygiene treatments, some are still restricted and if we cannot do something we will always tell you why. In particular at level 3 it is not yet considered appropriate to carry out purely cosmetic polishing of simple stains from teeth - but I am sure it will not be long until this will return.
All of our team are aware that some Plan patients will be overdue hygiene appointments, and we are doing everything we can to catch up. We would be very grateful if everyone could help us by giving at least 2 working days' notice of intention to a cancel any appointment so that we have a chance to reallocate it.
Our joint dentist / hygienist Dental Health Assessments have worked well for over ten years now, and to ensure that these carry on during the pandemic we have to restrict their availability to certain days of the week. We apologise for the inconvenience that this may cause but trust that you understand that we are working in difficult circumstances.
Emergency appointments are available throughout the week and in most cases one of our dental team will ring or arrange a Zoom call in advance of your appointment so that we can treat you as effectively as possible.
I had an appointment during shut down do I need to rebook?
If you have a dental problem please get in touch with us.
If you don't have a dental problem but are due an appointment, please wait.
We are using our computer system to trace patients and will get to you as quickly as we can.
I am concerned about coming in - can I have a video appointment?
Yes, of course.
We are now doing these for a variety of reasons, among them, for patients who are vulnerable and also for those who may want cosmetic dental treatment but would like to talk about it before committing. If you're interested please contact us here
Contacting us
The best way to get in touch is by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can ring us on 01228 533431 but call volumes are high and we are currently a very busy, small team!
Contacting you
Please can you ensure that we have a current email address for you? Contact via email is essential so that we can provide the best possible service to you. Please contact us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if we don't have an email address for you.
Finally - please watch our video before you come.
Please watch our video here - the patients who have been to see us have really appreciated the ability to see how things are now working before coming, and it's saved a lot of confusion.
I look forward to seeing you soon.
Richard Hellen BDS