Dentists reveal timetable for services to resume in NI - but warn over shortages of PPE

In a statement the BDA said the Department of Health has confirmed Phase 2 for recovery of General Dental Services, which will allow dentists to provide non-urgent care, will begin on June 29.

It also said that Phase 3 which will permit dentists to carry out aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) is scheduled to start from July 20.

The BDA said that AGPs, involving the use of high-speed instruments, represent the majority of dental treatments. Dentists performing these procedures are expected to use full PPE, similar to those used in hospital ICUs.

Owing to shortages - and the need for kit never previously required - the BDA has estimated the cost of PPE alone, ignoring other treatment costs, for treating a single patient has increased by up to 6000%. Costs for kit were around 35-45 pence pre-pandemic, and could now stand at £20-30 depending on exact PPE requirements and usage, the BDA stated.

Richard Graham, Chair of the BDA’s Northern Ireland Dental Practice Committee said: “We finally have a timetable. Dentists need time to prepare, but PPE remains the elephant in the room.

“Practices face not only shortages but crippling increases in costs for vital protective kit. We can put out the welcome mat, but without access to government supply chains, we will be in no position to treat patients.

“But we will need help to survive the new normal. Without long term support, sky-high overheads and fewer patents could be the final nail in the coffin for the service in NI.”