COVID-19 (Coronavirus): Advice for dental workers
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From: Department of Health
- Published on: 2 April 2020
- Last updated on: 24 September 2020
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has published guidance on managing infection related risks in dental services in the context of the COVID-19 emergency.
Emergency dental practice activities are included on the list of essential health care services which are to be provided during this COVID-19 pandemic phase.
This list includes all support staff and those necessary for the continuation of the supply chain who are allowed to travel to their work site such as:
- dental nurses, other dental auxiliary staff and cleaning staff
- those involved in the manufacture of medical devices such as dental technicians
- those involved in the manufacture and delivery of dental equipment and supplies
When travelling to and from work, an employee should at all times bring a work identification or a letter from the employer indicating that they are an essential employee, as well as one other form of identification.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has also published guidance on the use of PPE to support infection prevention and control practice when performing aerosol generating procedures on confirmed or clinically suspected COVID-19 CASES in a pandemic situation.