A PRUDHOE-BASED dentist is launching a remote consultation app to support patients during lockdown.

Louise Hunter & Associates, on the town’s West Road, closed its doors on March 25 in accordance with advice from the Chief Dental Officer for England.

But, owner Louise Hunter, who has more than 20 years worth of experience, is continuing to help patients, albeit in a virtual format.

“The app, which I hope to have running by the end of the week, will enable me to do an initial remote consultation with patients and help Insialign patients” said Louise.

Patients will be asked to take a scan of their teeth, using a mobile phone, and a report will be generated based on the images. Patients will then be able to see whether treatment, such as teeth whitening or straightening, is possible, and if so, how much it will cost.

Louise added: “It will be great moving forward because people will be fearful of coming into the practice or won’t have time once they’re back at work playing catch up. It’s quite costly for the practice, but it will be of real benefit to patients.

“We are trying to do as much as possible to help patients and have helped 28 new patients, free of charge, just this week.

“We are still very much open for advice, help, antibiotics and DIY temporary filling kits and over the last few weeks, I have been working on preparing the practice for our return to work. There are, understandably, going to be new guidelines in place which will change the way we work.”

Changes are likely to include limiting the number of patients in the practice, to maintain social distancing, and extending the surgery hours.