Dental practices have resumed services today (Tuesday) - with routine check-ups available again.

Most dental practices are now open and patients can contact their regular dentist if they require an appointment.

Patients will be prioritised to those who are classed as clinically more urgent to be seen for the continuation of treatments or urgent/essential treatments.

Routine examinations can be offered but practices will make contact with patients when they are ready to allocate appointments for this reason alone.

Practices are still adopting a no patient walk-in service and all contacts should be via the telephone in the first instance.

This allows for the practice to triage the telephone calls but also to ask some important questions relating to Covid-19 to ensure they continue to keep patients and staff safe.

Health Minister David Ashford said: ’Ultimately dental practices are private businesses so what speed they feel comfortable with in turning services back on and what services they can provide while remaining safe is up to the individual practice.’

Island dental practices have been providing urgent and essential dental services only since June 15.