Dentists have been given the green-light to start work again today but patients are warned that delays are likely because of the short notice given by the government.

Practices have had to introduce new hygiene measures, which will effect the number of patients seen and the times between appointments as well as imposing social distance restrictions.

Park Road Dental Centre in Teddington is one of the local dentists, which requires more time to introduce the required safety measures.

They also require Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and structural changes may involve perspex screens in receptions areas.

In an email to patients with appointments, the centre said:" We need to cancel your appointment/s on 15/06/20.

"Unfortunately, given the short notice of the announcement for dental practices to reopen on 8th June, we will not be in a position to start seeing patients immediately.

"We are working hard to make all the necessary arrangements and to secure all necessary PPE so that we can reopen safely to protect our patients and staff.

"This is a very difficult time for all of us and we will be in touch as soon as things get back to normal.

"We have emergency contact numbers on our answerphone to provide you with help and reassurance.

"We will also have contact via this email address [email protected] to our admin/reception team."

Telephone: 020 89779229

Website is here

How a visit to the dentist will work