A DERRY dentist has called on the Stormont Executive to issue clear guidance for dental practices in the North of Ireland for when they are told they can reopen.
In England, dental practices have been told they can reopen from Monday, June 8, if they put in place appropriate safety pressures.
However, some dentists in England say they have been unable to secure personal protection equipment (PPE) before they open their practices to the public.
Derry dentist Dr Peter Hughes says it may not be “appropriate for the foreseeable future” for dental practices to reopen here.
But he also stressed the importance of getting “clear guidance” early on so practices can open safely for both dentists, staff and patients.
“We need guidance on not only how we bring patients in but also what PPE (personal protective equipment) we need, as there are various different types,” Dr Hughes told BBC Radio Foyle today.
Dr Hughes says dentists in the Republic of Ireland have been told exactly what kind of PPE they have to use and have already reopened.
All routine dental care has been suspended since March.
And like many businesses, there are fears many dental practices may not reopen and could shut their downs due to a lack of income.
A recent survey by the British Dental Association found that three quarters of the North of Ireland’s dental practices are at risk of collapse.
Leaders in the sector are demanding rapid government intervention after the survey found that nearly one in every five local practices may go under.
With all routine care still suspended amid efforts to halt the spread of Covid-19, 75% of dental surgeries here surveyed said they can only remain financially sustainable for up to three months.
The BDA survey captured the responses of nearly a quarter of all dental surgeries in the UK, the majority of which provide a mix of both NHS and private care.
Practices in the North of Ireland performing a greater share of private work emerged as being the most exposed, with 76% of those with low or no NHS commitment (0-25%) stating that they will face imminent difficulties in the next three months.
This figure fell to 70.7% among those with the most NHS support.
Of the 116 local surgeries that responded to the survey, 17% have already attempted to seek a government-backed interruption loan.
Some 72% were unable to secure credit, with half of these already turning to commercial loans to stay afloat at reported interest rates of over 20%.
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