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Guidance on Managing Infection Related Risks in Dental Services - 8 July 2021
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.
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World Health Organisation
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)
ADA Coronavirus Center for Dentists
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