How the Council are supporting businesses during COVID-19: an interview with Phil Eisenberg, owner of Sparklysmile dental practice in Blackheath
How has the Council supported your business during COVID-19?
I received a grant from the Council which helped to cover some of the cost of specialist equipment so we could open safely. It’s been an upward struggle - the financial implications for the business have been huge as the high technology equipment that I have is costly to run and I cannot see the same number of people in a day as I did before the pandemic started.
How has COVID-19 affected your business?
Despite the pandemic business never really stopped. Whilst we had to shut for face to face appointments during lockdown, I was still on hand to give telephone advice to my patients. I also delivered antibiotics and temporary filling materials by bicycle to patients who needed them.
What adaptations have you had to make?
Once I received guidance on what was required I set to work putting everything in place. Before customers attend their appointment I phone them to make sure they have been well and I ask them to check their temperature check, so we are all getting used to that. Staff wear suitable PPE, and I’ve created a new bathroom so people can wash their hands as soon as they arrive. I’ve also installed a high technology air purification system which I’ve invested heavily in and appointments are more spaced out so I can get everything ready before the next patient arrives.
Have you seen an increase in trade since lockdown was lifted?
It has been tricky catching up. I’ve been prioritising people who had severe toothache over the lockdown period and completing treatment for those people that were left halfway through managing their dental problems. Regular general checkups are important so we are encouraging everyone to get back to their usual routine to make sure all is well with their mouth and general health. We are able to cope with all dental needs again whether it’s emergency or cosmetic work, and are confident that the necessary measures have been put in place to keep people safe when they visit us.