The Welsh Government has today revealed when dental treatment will restart as the coronavirus lockdown eases.
It said the return of services will come in three phases, in line with its approach to easing the lockdown.
The first phase will begin from Wednesday, July 1 and will be prioritised by need.
Dr Colette Bridgman, Chief Dental Officer for Wales, said strict infection control measures, including social distancing will be in place to protect dental practice staff and people in the chair.
Phase one
The first phase will include urgent dental centres and dental practices introducing more urgent treatments, including fillings.
Those who urgently need treatment and have experienced problems during lockdown will be prioritised.
However, it says this group of people will be offered assessment and care first.
Phase two
The second phase will see care becoming available in more practices - and prioritised for people who need treatment.
This will include those who have had treatment delayed because of the pandemic.
Phase three
The third and final phase will see the return of routine check-ups for people with no dental problems.
Good oral health will also be resumed.
Dr Bridgman said: "As normal dental services resume, we will continue to work to improve access to dental services for all.
"Everyone attending a NHS dentist will receive a full review of their teeth and gums as well as a detailed assessment of any known risks, keeping them informed about good oral health and to prevent future issues.
"We are very grateful to everyone who has been waiting for treatment during lockdown and will do our best to ensure everyone is treated as soon as it is possible to do so safely.
"Please continue to be patient and to enable those with the greatest needs to be treated first."
What to do if you need to see a dentist during lockdown
Dr Bridgman said the first thing to do is contact your dentist.
Those who don't have a dentist should call the NHS on 111 who will give advice and refer you to an urgent dental care centre if necessary.
The best ways to care for your teeth
Dr Bridgman, added: "It's important at this time, as so many dental diseases and conditions are preventable, that you take time to care for your teeth.
"The most important thing you can do is to reduce the amount and frequency of sugar in your diet, try to keep sugary drinks and foods to meal times, make sure that you take time to brush your teeth effectively.
"It's best last thing at night and on one other occasion and try to remember to spit out the toothpaste and don't rinse with lots of water afterwards as that helps the fluoride stay on your teeth."
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To help halt the spread of coronavirus, dentists began to scale back with treatment in March.
Procedures included fillings or scaling, use high-speed drills and other tools which are 'aerosol generating' - which create spray.
Dr Bridgman said: "In the current pandemic, it could risk spreading the virus and that’s why we’ve asked dentists to stop routine activity for the time being."
However, some dentists in Wales remained open for urgent care throughout the lockdown, while pain relief and antibiotics continued to be prescribed where necessary.
"Coronavirus has not gone away and it is likely we will be living with the virus and its consequences for some time to come," Dr Bridgman added.
