DENTISTS must use their professional judgement when reopening practices amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the General Dental Council has said.
In its July newsletter, the regulator said clinicians will inevitably face new scenarios that may not be covered by official guidance. These will "need to be considered and carefully assessed in relation to the circumstances and the situation you now find yourself in".
The statement went on to say that the outbreak has "put us all in new and unfamiliar territory" and that "judgements will need to be made as to how to proceed".
Dental professionals were reassured that, where decisions are based on the national guidance and a thorough and evidenced assessment of risks, and where the mitigations identified are clearly recorded and followed, there should be "no unease about regulatory intervention".
"As dental professionals, you are best placed to make these judgements particular to the circumstances of your practice, dental team and patients," it added.
Further GDC guidance
This page was correct at the time of publication. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.
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