Full PPE and COVID-19 infection control protocols remain essential even after dental teams have been vaccinated.

That’s the message from Fiona Ellwood of the Society of British Dental Nurses (SBDN), who is keen to remind dental nurses the important of key infection control protocols following the news that those working in dentistry, along with other healthcare staff, have been prioritised for COVID-19 vaccinations.

Echoing the advice from the British Dental Association (BDA), she said: ‘Now is not the time for us to become complacent. Whilst progress is now being made with the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out, we must all remember to adhere strictly to the coronavirus guidance in place. It is essential we continue to follow regulations and wear the necessary PPE.'

Whilst the COVID-19 vaccine reduces the risks, scientists are yet to discover whether or not a full course of the vaccine will prevent people catching and passing on the virus.

Dental nurse Gill Geary works at Lynwood Dental & Implant Centre in Surrey. She said: 'Work is stressful but we are seeing lots of patients with pain which they are very grateful for and we continue to wear our full PPE often. I am very much use to the respirator mask now.

'I am very much in favour of having the vaccine as I am asthmatic, so it can't come soon enough as far as I'm concerned. It was a massive relief to hear dental teams had finally been moved in to the second category.'

Dental teams welcomed confirmation from NHS England that all dentists, teams and support staff – in both NHS and private settings – will receive priority access to the COVID vaccine.

NHS Trusts and Foundation Trusts have been instructed to 'work with CCGs and local systems to offer COVID-19 vaccination to all healthcare workers working in primary care as well as independent practitioners and independent providers including general practice (including locum staff), community pharmacy, dentistry, optometry and hospices'.

This week, the BDA told dentist: 'In terms of next steps:

  • High street NHS dentists and teams- sit tights and wait, you are on the list
  • Dentists working in trusts– your HR will have matters in hand.
  • Private practices – you will be covered, but you must ensure your CQC accounts are up to date. This data will be passed to the vaccination programme for follow up.'

Meanwhile, a number of dental nurses have already volunteered to administer the vaccine to patients.

On the SBDN Facebook page, dental nurse and practice manager Lisa Boyce writes: 'Already signed up and training done. Now I am just waiting for DBS to come through and then I start. I can’t wait! Always ready to learn new things and to help where needed.'

For those dental nurses interested in supporting the vaccination programme, St John's Ambulance Team are looking for volunteers.

For details, visit https://vaccinationvolunteers.sja.org.uk/roles/volunteer-vaccinator.html?fbclid=IwAR0LmPffJLJiGaSIEnsk8C4cLgtEWL-avsCLw4S_I7lj8MwoVv5AsYgHyBc

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