Dentists urge Public Health England to amend ‘unworkable’ PPE requirements

It has shared the results of its recent survey with Public Health England (PHE) to demonstrate the universal challenges faced by dental practitioners caused by to ‘overly onerous’ PPE requirements.

In an open letter to the body, it calls into question the evidence supporting the government expectations regarding masks, suggesting: ‘Frustratingly, much of it is based on very weak scientific evidence, for example the use of FFP2 and 3-type respirators.’

It adds: ‘In addition, the associated fit-testing requirements and the continued lack of availability of this resource, means that many practices will remain closed to anything more than the most basic treatments for the foreseeable future. The patients being turned away from or facing long waiting times at Urgent Dental Centres (UDCs) are further evidence of the challenges patients are facing.’

The BAPD says its survey of around 1,000 dental practitioners reveals key obstructions to optimal provision of care for patients in a list that the Association suggests are ‘alarming findings’. They include: