UK oral surgeons' early response to the COVID-19 pandemic and impact on patient care.

The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted UK oral surgery services particularly in the early stage and highlight the lack of preparedness. As availability of PPE and evidence on aerosol-generating procedures and infection control became more readily accessible, surgeons became more confident to provide emergency surgical treatment rather than just phone consultations. The impact on patients' oral health is likely to have been profound.