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Northern Ireland reduces fallow time requirements for practices

Fallow time can be cut to just 10 minutes if the necessary measures are taken, according to new guidance. Incorporating the latest recommendations from the SDCEP, the updated guidance for General Dental Services (GDS) highlights how fallow time can be reduced. New advice – which is aimed at ‘medium risk’ patients – includes: A baseline … Continued

What do Ireland’s level 5 restrictions mean for dentistry?

Ireland is one of the latest countries to announce stringent lockdown measures in a bid to curb COVID-19 cases. From midnight tomorrow, the Irish government will move the public into the highest level of restrictions. Currently, they are set to last for six weeks – but will be reviewed after four. New rules include: The … Continued

Government promise additional £5 million for general dental services

General dental services in Northern Ireland have been promised further funding in the face of COVID-19.  The Department of Health has secured an additional £5 million in a bid to offset income reductions from patient charges. The new package matches the £5 million of extra funding pumped into the Financial Support Scheme (FSS) since April 2020. … Continued

Further COVID-19 restrictions imposed in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland will face further restrictions in a bid to curb the number of COVID-19 cases. Today, first minister Arlene Foster announced a package of measures, including the closure of the hospitality sector. From Friday, pubs and restaurants will be limited to takeaway and delivery services for the next four weeks. Additionally, schools will be closed from … Continued

Calls for government to address dental crisis in Budget 2021

Dentists are calling for the Irish government to address resourcing troubles in dentistry in its upcoming Budget 2021.  The Irish Dental Association (IDA) says the government cannot continue to delay its response to the dental crisis, pointing towards its implications for patients. Fintan Hourihan is the chief executive of the IDA. He says the government … Continued

‘Critical’ dentistry remains open if restrictions tighten

The profession is calling for patients to keep attending their appointments over fears oral health could worsen.  Dr Anne O’Neill, president of the Irish Dental Association (IDA), says dental appointments should not be deferred if COVID-19 restrictions tighten. Similarly, she says it is ‘critical’ for dentistry to remain open – even if Ireland imposes Level … Continued

Resources for public service dentistry in ‘full-blown crisis’

COVID-19 is causing a resourcing crisis in public service dentistry in Ireland. This is according to Dr Anne O’Neill, the incoming president of the Irish Dental Association (IDA). She says the pandemic has sparked a lag in important dental services in Ireland. The provision of public service dentistry was a ’cause for concern’ prior to the … Continued