COVID-19 related updates
The changes announced by the Prime Minister on Monday 4 October do not impact the alert level 2 and 3 guidelines for the delivery of oral health care. We encourage you to continue providing safe care to your patients as per the guidelines.
Vaccination
Vaccination is a crucial part of the New Zealand public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Council reiterates its earlier advice that it expects all dental practitioners will take up the opportunity to be vaccinated—unless medically contraindicated.
Practitioners should be aware of their professional responsibility as set out in the Dental Council/Medical Council joint COVID-19 vaccination guidance statement.
The Ministry of Health is reviewing whether vaccination will become mandatory for health workers in primary care. We will update practitioners with developments, should new requirements be introduced.
Infection protection and control (IPC) standard practice review
Council is reviewing the current IPC standard to accommodate COVID-19. We are currently reviewing the research and learnings from Europe, UK, USA, Australia, and Canada to ascertain the future impact of COVID-19 on oral health in New Zealand.
Oral health practitioners and stakeholders will be consulted on any proposed updates to the IPC practice standard in due course.
Kia noho haumaru, stay safe.
Andrew Gray (Chair) & Marie Warner (CE)