Head of the DDU, John Makin, said, “We have been supporting many anxious and distressed dental professionals with dento-legal questions around the COVID-19 outbreak and in particular in respect of aerosol generating procedures (AGPs). Other questions have ranged from how best to keep themselves and their patients safe, whether to go ahead with routine appointments and how best to deal with shortages in face masks and hand sanitiser.
“Colleagues in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have received specific updated guidance including advice on AGPs. In England, the March 9 letter of preparedness was intended to augment the March 5 Standard Operating Procedures from the Chief Dental Officer. It does not provide specific advice on AGPs.
“We are advising members of the need to follow the latest advice about COVID-19 from relevant government departments or agencies. If they face criticism as a result of their actions, such guidance would be regarded as coming from a responsible body of opinion. DDU members can also come to us for advice and support in the usual way.
“The GDC has issued joint guidance with the other healthcare regulators about how it will regulate during the COVID-19 outbreak which acknowledges that health professionals will need to use their judgement and regulators will be flexible.
“We know these are worrying times for all healthcare professionals and we are on hand and have the flexibility to guide and support our members with dento-legal issues.”