DENTAL practices in South Ayrshire have successfully been welcoming back patients for the first time in over four months.

As Scotland continued its lockdown exit in Phase 3, from July 13 dentists across the country were able to start seeing patients again.

Dentists had been allowed to open for emergency treatments during the coronavirus lockdown.

But now, registered patients are now able to be seen for ‘non-aerosol’ procedures, allowing procedures such a check-ups and the fitting of dentures and dental braces, with all the relevant safety precautions in place.

However, no drilling practices are currently allowed to be carried out in NHS dentists.

One practice which is fully up and running though is the Art of Dentistry in Prestwick.

Founder Dr. David Wiseman has incorporated a five-stage, medical-grade air filtration system,

ultraviolet disinfecting technology, and advanced disinfecting fogging equipment to safeguard the private practice.

So while NHS dentists still face some restrictions, Art of Dentistry in Prestwick does not.

The move is possible because the practice is regulated by Health Improvement Scotland which gave the go-ahead to reopen.

Dr Wiseman said: “As a team we could not be happier and we expect our patients will be similarly delighted. It’s possible we may even be seeing new patients coming to us, particularly those requiring the kind of treatments that are still not available via the NHS.”