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Dental Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2020

Wednesday, 20 May 2020

Questions (672, 684, 691, 699, 700, 737, 753)

Paul Murphy

Question:

672. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the provisions put in place to meet the needs of the public and private dental care sectors and the dental profession during the Covid-19 crisis and after the Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted. [5753/20]

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Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

684. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health when orthodontic treatment will be able to resume safely. [5799/20]

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Dara Calleary

Question:

691. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the financial supports being put in place to assist dentists during the Covid-19 emergency; his views on the future of dental care in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5807/20]

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Willie O'Dea

Question:

699. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health when orthodontists will be allowed to open their practices. [5820/20]

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Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Question:

700. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health if assistance, financial or otherwise, will be provided to dental surgeries to cover the cost of PPE which will be required to be used as instructed by the Dental Council upon re-opening (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5821/20]

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Charlie McConalogue

Question:

737. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the assistance available to the dentistry profession (details supplied) during the Covid-19 crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6194/20]

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Louise O'Reilly

Question:

753. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to assist dentists during the Covid-19 crisis; if they will be recompensated for PPE or provided with PPE by the State in order that they can continue to see patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6373/20]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 672, 684, 691, 699, 700, 737 and 753 together.

The necessary legislative amendments have now been made and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has worked with the dental profession and in particular the Dental Council, to provide revised guidance for the profession to allow for the resumption of the safe provision of routine care, including orthodontic care. This is in line with Phase 1 of the Government's Plan for the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, from 18 May.

The Government has put in place a suite of measures to support small, medium and larger businesses that are negatively impacted by COVID-19. The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation has published a Return to Work Safely Protocol, which is designed to support employers and workers to put measures in place that will prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. The Health and Safety Authority also provides information and advice for employers and employees in this regard.

A national approach to the supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the Public Dental Service of the HSE has been initiated. Dentists contracted by the HSE under the Dental Treatment Services Scheme can apply to the HSE for PPE. Additional PPE, above the normal PPE used in dentistry, may currently be required in certain instances depending on the occupational risk assessment of the dentist. However, the Dental Council is deliberating further on this and definitive clarification is awaited as to if and when such PPE may be required.

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