Sara Hurley confirms no change to SOP as self-isolation rules end

Sara Hurley has confirmed that the current standard operating procedure (SOP) will remain in place for dentistry.

This comes as the government announce that the requirement to self-isolate after testing positive for Covid will end tomorrow (24 February).

However chief dental officer Sara Hurley has confirmed that current infection prevention control guidelines remain in place.

‘I understand there may be questions about any immediate implications of the Government’s announcement yesterday,’ she wrote.

‘For the time being the UKHSA’s infection prevention control guidelines and the NHS Standard Operating Procedure remain in place.

‘Until further notice, dental practices should continue to operate in line with these publications and for NHS contracted practices as detailed in the latest NHS contractual notice of 22 December.

‘We will keep you informed of further developments and changes.’

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Currently NHS dental practices have to deliver 85% of their contract between January and March 2022. This will increase to 100% in April.

NHS dentistry has been a key focus for MPS in recent weeks, with many calling for better support for dentists in the latest debate at Westminster Hall. 

Tabled by MP Peter Aldous, there were calls for a number of key changes including:

• Secure long-term funding
• Improvement of the recruitment and retention of dental staff
• The completion of the new NHS contract
• Greater emphasis on the role that water fluoridation plays
• Greater accountability and a bigger voice for dentistry.

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