IDA Statement 20 October 2020
Dental Clinics Remain Open as an Essential Service During Level 5 Restrictions
Dental care remains an essential service as designated by the Government and therefore dental clinics will remain open to provide care during the current Level 5 restrictions.
Patients and staff are entitled to travel more than 5km from home to see the dentist / attend for duty.
For dental practices, it remains vitally important to undertake risk assessments and to comply with the guidance which has been issued by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre – its recently updated guidance can be viewed here.
Dentists should also be advised that the Dental Council has decided (October 15th 2020) to withdraw its 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).'
The Dental Council also advises dentists that “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.”
For patients, we wish to reiterate that dentists have proven that they can practice in a safe manner since the emergence of Covid-19, and they will continue to risk-assess each patient to ensure safety guidelines are maintained. Oral health is an essential part of a person’s overall health, and attendance at your dentist should not be deferred.
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.
Guidance on Managing Infection Related Risks in Dental Services - 9 October 2020
Guidance on Managing Infection Related Risks in Dental Services - 15 May 2020
IDA COVID-19 Patient Flow Essential Dental Care - 5 April 2020
IDA Position re HPSC Guidance - 5 April 2020
IDA Submission to HPSC clinical advisory group - 18 March 2020
Submission on behalf of the Cork Dental School, Dublin Dental School, Dental Council and Irish Dental Association - 19 March 2020
Supplementary IDA submission to the HPSC - 22 March 2020
NOHO Essential Dental Care During COVID-19 Pandemic
NOHO Preparation for Essential Care
COVID-19 Contingency planning for containment, delay and mitigation phases for HSE Dental and Orthodontic Services
NOHO Risk Assessment Pathway Covid-19
NOHO Intermim Protocol Environmental Cleaning
NOHO Identification of Isolation Room
Previous Guidance issued February 2020 - click here to download
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
World Health Organisation
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)
ADA Coronavirus Center for Dentists
Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme - Management of Acute Dental Problems during COVID-19 Pandemic (30 March 2020)
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 Return to Work Protocol
Important Update re Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment for Self-Employed
Employer options for payments during Covid-19 Pandemic
Government supports for businesses impacted by COVID-19
Business Continuity Planning: Checklist of preparatory actions in responding to COVID-19
Income Protection
IDA letter to Minister for Finance seeking urgent assistance for dentists arising from the current Covid-19 outbreak
Redeployment Circular
COVID-19 FAQs for the Public Health Service
HSE guidelines for healthcare workers in the Covid-19 pandemic
HSE helpline and occupational health guidance for staff during Covid-19
Memo on Overtime
Memo on Annual Leave
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