Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

751. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the distribution of PPE to dentists. [28780/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am aware of the difficulties that the current Covid-19 pandemic poses for the dental profession. My Department has worked with the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) to provide guidance to allow for the resumption of the safe provision of routine care. My Department, in conjunction with the HSE, is examining the issue of the provision of PPE across all parts of the health service, including health service contractors.

The HPSC advises that regular PPE, which has always been used, is generally sufficient for routine dentistry. This is supported by the Dental Council which has indicated that dentists must take a case by case assessment when deciding if additional PPE is warranted.