IDA welcomes confirmation of dental care as an essential service under Level 5 restrictions
20 Oct 2020)
Tuesday, October 20th, 2020. The Irish Dental Association (IDA) has welcomed the Government’s confirmation of dental care as an essential service, and has reiterated that dental practices will remain open throughout the country during Level 5 restrictions which come into effect on Thursday, October 22nd.
It has also been confirmed that, as a designated essential service, patients and dental staff are permitted to travel more than five kilometres to attend a dental practice for treatment or for work.
Speaking today, Fintan Hourihan, CEO of the IDA, said: “Since the emergence of Covid-19 in the spring, dentists have proven that they can treat patients in a safe and effective manner. We welcome the Government’s confirmation that dental care is an essential service, as it is a crucial part of a person’s overall health.
“Dentists will continue to risk-assess each patient to ensure the highest safety standards are maintained, so it is critically important that patients do not defer appointments as this may cause unnecessary healthcare issues.”
ENDS
Issued on behalf of the IDA by Gordon MRM