A group representing dentists has said almost one fifth of dental practices have scaled back services in some form amid warnings that the profession is “on the brink of collapse” due to the Covid-19 outbreak in the state. The IDA said it is seeking a “wide-ranging package of supports” in order to survive. He said the IDA “has made numerous efforts to communicate this message to politicians, and we have received no clear direction whatsoever. A letter to dentists from the Chief Dental Officer, dated Monday and seen by The Irish Times, advises that the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) “has advised that dental practices can remain open and there is currently no need for change in practice”. The letter advises that if a patient is showing symptoms of Covid-19, dental care should only be considered after consulting with their GP.

Source: The Irish Times March 18, 2020 17:26 UTC