Dental staff in primary care are required to wear face masks

Public Health England has stated that dental staff in a primary care environment are always required to wear face masks if the practice isn’t COVID-19 secure. Furthermore, staff in non-clinical and clinical roles should wear a face mask where environments are not COVID-19 secure.

The Public Health England advice states that a type 1 or 2 face mask is recommended to prevent the spread of infection; however, if IIR masks are more accessible and there are no supply problems for their use as PPE, then these can be used instead.

Also, Public Health England advises that where practices can’t maintain a COVID-19 secure environment, members and patients should wear face masks.