Covid-19 Advice

Covid-19 Advice

 

For more information on Covid-19 vaccines for health professionals click here.

 

Click on the topic below to see the latest information and guidance:

We also encourage members to log on to the HPSC website for regular updates and for further resources, posters and notices which can be downloaded.

 

HPSC Dental Guidance

Guidance on Managing Infection Related Risks in Dental Services - 8 July 2021

 

Dental Council

15 October 2020

Withdrawal of Dental Council's Interim Infection Prevention and Control Guidance

The Dental Council welcomes the HPSC's revised 'Guidance on Managing Infection Related Risks in Dental Services' which was published today. This remains as the authoritative national advice to the profession on providing dental services in the pandemic. The guidance is relevant at all levels of the 'Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021' plan published by the Government in September. This guidance has updated information on how the virus is spread, and especially on symptomatic and asymptomatic transmission. The guidance gives practical advice on managing patients and on measures to enhance the protection of the dental team.

To coincide with this publication, the Dental Council has decided to withdraw the interim sentence inserted in April 2020 at the bottom of Section 2.3.1.4 of its Code of Practice regarding Infection Prevention and Control. This sentence recommended using FFP2 masks when performing aerosol generating procedures and this recommendation is now deleted from the Code. This section now reads:

'The use of PPE must be guided by risk assessment. It must be used to protect DHCWs from exposure to or contact with infections or potentially infectious microorganisms. Items of PPE include gloves, gowns, face masks, goggles and face shields. These must not be worn outside the area in which they are used. Hand hygiene must be carried out after removal and appropriate disposal of PPE. Most PPE items are regarded as single use (but refer to the manufacturer’s instructions).'

Your professional judgement remains key and you should continue to follow your professional judgement and assess risks when deciding on the best care for your patients.

The Dental Council would like to thank all dental health care professionals for their commitment to providing safe clinical care in a difficult and constantly evolving situation. The Council recognises that this continues to be worrying and stressful time for all members of the dental team.

For more information click here

 

Other Useful Information

World Health Organisation

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)

ADA Coronavirus Center for Dentists

 

Guidance for Employers & Self Employed

The following guidance and measures are the most up to date information from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection and from legal experts. For further information please click here to go to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.

Government Work Safely Protocol

 

Information for Public Dental Surgeons

Click here for the latest HR circulars

HSE guidelines for healthcare workers in the Covid-19 pandemic

HSE helpline and occupational health guidance for staff during Covid-19

 

Mental Health Concerns

Covid 19 : What to do if we are concerned - document prepared by the HSE Heads of Psychology Services

Practitioner Health Matters – confidential service or health professionals in Ireland who may have mental health issues such as stress, anxiety or burnout