August 2021 update

There have been over 30 million postponed NHS dental appointments in England since the pandemic began. Prior to the pandemic Cornwall was already struggling to provide NHS Dental care.

 

At St Agnes Dental Practice we have been working exceptionally hard to get back to our previous volumes of patients each day, but the ongoing restrictions and guidance for dentistry mean that progress is slow.  Thank you very much for all the messages of support and thanks that we have received. For good reasons, we may not always have been able to meet everyone’s hopes and expectations.  We continue to do the best that we can.

 

As the Practice is a healthcare setting, it is likely that we will need to continue with enhanced infection control measures for some time.  This has an inevitable effect on patient numbers and the frustration felt when we all want to return to normal.  Staff are working in these tough conditions to help you.  For everyone’s safety we must also be strict with our appointment bookings so that patients who need us promptly can access care.

 

During the first 6 months of the pandemic we looked after over 2000 patients in pain and we continue to prioritise urgent needs whilst restoring routine appointments.

 

Dr Matthew Perry joined us in October to help with this pressure.  We have already been able to see many of the cancelled appointments from all dentist lists.  Whilst Matt has now returned to his usual place of work we are looking forward to Dr Pritesh Pankhania continuing with us in a permanent role.  Pri may become your usual dentist if you previously saw Dr Emma Gillies or Dr Catherine McAvoy.  He is looking forward to caring for you.

 

We realise that many patients are anxious to have their dental check-up.  Please see our Covid-19 information page for details of bookings currently being made.  If your teeth and gums are generally healthy, a check-up can often be postponed.  However, if you are worried, our hygienists are available and can still be booked directly through reception if you would like help with your oral health routines.  This news page will be updated when we are able to reopen reception for check-up bookings.  Fingers crossed we hope that this can be soon.

 

Once again, I would like to say how dedicated the staff here have been to keeping the dental practice a safe place in which to work and for patients to visit.  Thank you all too for your continued support and understanding.