Dental procedures to be re-introduced into NHS practices in Scotland

Practices have been able to see NHS patients for certain types of non-aerosol routine care as part of Phase 3.

Now dental practices, if they are ready, will be able to provide aerosol-generating procedures (AGP) on patients with urgent dental problems from 17 August.

This move will be supported by the provision of enhanced Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to dental practices which will require to be individually fitted to dental team members to ensure they work effectively.

This limited introduction, with care prioritised for patients in need of urgent care, replicates the arrangements in place in urgent dental care centres.

Chief Dental Officer Tom Ferris said: 'NHS patients have been able to receive care and treatment including aerosol-generating procedures through one of the 71 urgent dental care centres in Scotland.

'Now a limited range of AGP procedures will be available at NHS practices – this decision has been taken after carefully and thoroughly considering the balance between the overall risk of infection with the needs of patients to be seen by dentists. I am pleased that patients seeking such urgent procedures can now be seen at their NHS practice, and in turn, that practices can expand their services to patients.'