NHS Gets Local Youngsters’ Braces Work Back on Track!
Hundreds of local youngsters, whose braces were put on hold last year, are gearing up for straighter teeth in 2021.
Due to COVID-19 constraints, many aspects of dental and orthodontic treatment could not take place throughout 2020. Until very recently, general dentists were also unable to refer any new NHS patients requiring braces to an orthodontist. Similarly, parents looking to refer their child directly were also put on hold.
However, with the NHS having now re-opened for ortho treatment, orthodontists are now welcoming referrals from both dentists and parents, meaning eligible children under the age of 18 can start their free orthodontic treatment.
To prepare for the upsurge in NHS patients, equating to almost one year’s worth of pending referrals, Beam Orthodontics in Dundee is more than doubling its number of NHS sessions within a dedicated NHS clinic incorporating five surgeries upstairs. As a result, Beam has increased capacity by around 200 NHS patients each week, a combination of both new and in-treatment patients.
The Beam team, headed up by Ruaridh McKelvey, Principal Orthodontist and co-founder, has been enhanced by the arrival of Specialist Orthodontist Roxana Lutic. Roxana will work alongside fellow Specialist Orthodontist Ruth Fowler, Neil McDougall, a highly-experienced dentist with enhanced skills in orthodontics, six Orthodontic Therapists and the nursing team.
Meanwhile, joining Business Development Manager Lynne Wilson, Beam has appointed its first-ever dedicated NHS Manager, Neil Brown who commented, “We typically receive referrals from over 200 dentists throughout Scotland – perhaps their patient has squint, overcrowded or protruding teeth which can affect confidence, jaw function and oral hygiene.
“Despite being limited by COVID restrictions, a real frustration for our patients and their parents, we have been busy preparing for where we are now, by investing in additional staff and maximising our space. With referrals now open again, our NHS capacity has never been higher and our younger NHS patients can now start their assessment and treatment within our newly dedicated NHS clinic without delay.”
Mrs Lutic added, “With almost a year’s worth of referrals in the pipeline, it’s fantastic to be welcoming our NHS patients back into the clinic and take that first step on their treatment journey. As well as transforming their smiles, braces make a real difference to oral health, saving you and your child time, money and potentially more invasive treatment in the long-term. With so many young people waiting for their treatment to get going, we can’t wait to welcome them in and help transform their smile in the months ahead.”
Since opening in South Tay Street in 2007, Beam has seen a huge rise in demand for orthodontic treatment, attracting patients from throughout Dundee, Angus, Fife, Perthshire and beyond.
For more information, please contact Beam – telephone (01382) 202604, email smile@beamortho.com or visit www.beamortho.com.
ENDS