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Access to centres cannot be restricted to medical card holders. Establishment of centres would mean dental teams could be redeployed in health service. IDA says use of aerosol-generating procedures pose an “unacceptable risk” and guidance on their use must change.

Universal concern over guidance given to dentists by HPSC. Unprecedented joint submission calls for update to guidance. Patients and dentists must be safeguarded during treatment. Vast majority of dental practices limited to emergency treatment or have closed.

Survey shows nearly one fifth (18%) of respondents have already closed practice in some form. Further 10% face practice closure within next fortnight. Over 40% already restricted to emergency treatment only. Nearly half of respondents estimate fall of at least 90% in practice income. Dental profession is ‘disintegrating before our eyes’. Dentists need ‘wide-ranging package of supports’ in order to survive.