The main changes were:
- For patients on the non-respiratory pathway, standard IPC measures can now apply for all procedures (including AGPs) and there is no need for fallow time
- Physical distancing restrictions have been removed for asymptomatic patients
- For patients on the respiratory pathway, transmission-based IPC measures, as well as standard IPC measures, still apply.
We have updated our IPC FAQ document to reflect these changes for dental teams.
The Scottish Government have approved the continued provision of funded PPE for NHS dental care until the end of March 2023, unless there is a further significant change to IPC guidance.
This week, National Services Scotland (NSS) asked dental practices to retain a six week supply of advanced PPE as a resilience measure to ensure practices can continue to deliver dental services to patients at an adequate service level should previous IPC guidance be re-introduced by the Scottish Government. Should practices have more enhanced PPE (gowns and FFP3 masks) than a six week supply, NSS are in the process of identifying opportunities to recycle or reuse these items.
We have updated our PPE Q&A document to reflect these changes for dental teams.