Advice for the Public

Social Media Resources

These include pointers on how to keep your mouth healthy and advice on how to access dental services in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland during the Coronavirus pandemic.

There is also a video to mark #BreastfeedingCelebrationWeek in June which outlines the benefits of breastfeeding and provides some advice during the Coronavirus pandemic.

These have been prepared by a group of BASCD members led by Jasmine Murphy, consultant in Dental Public Health, PHE, East Midlands.

BASCD would like to thank friends and colleagues who contributed to the PPI process.

“Looking after your family and all your smiles”

“How to access NHS dental care in England during the Coronavirus pandemic”

“How to access NHS dental care in Scotland during the Coronavirus pandemic”

“How to access NHS dental care in Wales during the Coronavirus pandemic”

“How to access NHS dental care in Northern Ireland during the Coronavirus pandemic”   Also, you can view a very helpful  message from colleagues in Northern Ireland here.

Breastfeeding during COVID – 19: an education resource

The following slide show has been developed by BASCD member Jasmine Murphy to help raise awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding and to address some Mother’s fears about doing this during the COVID-19 pandemic

Breast Feeding – best start to smiles in life!

Routine dentistry

The British Dental Association outlines  here why routine dentistry is not available during the COVID-19 pandemic, via the NHS or privately.

Importance of good daily mouth care

Self-care matters to reduce the risk of problems: good oral hygiene using a fluoride toothpaste; healthy diet (low in sugary foods and drinks); avoid tobacco and if you drink alcohol please do so within safer limits.

Where people are ill, they should make every effort to keep their mouth clean and moist (hydrated). Further advice on self-care is available from the Oral Health Foundation.

Urgent or emergency dental care

Limited urgent and emergency dental care is available within some special centres. Appointments may be given after a telephone triage consultation. Be aware that depending on where you live in the UK arrangements for dental care may differ slightly.

Seek emergency dental care by:-

  • All Regions: Phoning your own dental practice to check on local arrangements.
  • England: Phoning NHS 111.
  • Wales: Links to local services available from the NHS Direct Wales website  or you can check your symptoms on line at the  NHSDirect Wales symptom checker.
  • Scotland: Contact NHS 24 (out-of-hours) by phoning 111 in Scotland. Further local information is available at NHS Inform.
  • Northern Ireland: Patients to contact their own dental practice or a local dental practice if they are not already registered with a practice.  Local Service finder.

Pharmacists may be a useful source of advice and mouthwashes or temporary filling cement.

 

Advice on self-help for a range of dental problems (Scottish resource)

Advice for specific dental problems (Welsh resource)

Information on dental problems (Northern Ireland resource)

Mouth care advice for care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic (Scottish resource)

Mouth care advice for Care at Home services during the COVID-19 pandemic (Scottish resource)

Mouth care advice for hospitals during the pandemic (English resource)

Mouth care advice for hospitals during the pandemic (Scottish resource)

Mouth Care advice for the Critically Ill Patient (Scottish resource)

 

Advice for dental professionals

Wellbeing resources

Infection Prevention and Control Resources (PPE)

England:

Scotland:

Wales:

Northern Ireland: