Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps the Government is taking to assist dental practices in training staff to comply with covid-19 guidelines.

NHS England and NHS Improvement announced on 28 May that National Health Service dental services can gradually resume from 8 June. Over 600 urgent dental centres remain open to assist with the resumption of routine dentistry, and provide care.

NHS England and NHS Improvement published a series of guidance throughout the pandemic to support dental practices. The latest guidance can be found at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/primary-care/dental-practice/

The guidance includes:

- NHS England and NHS Improvement letter issued to all dental practices, regional dental leads of the resumption of dental services;

- A detailed standard operating procedure was issued setting out guidance on how to restart dentistry safely; and

- Public Health England published guidance to dental practices and other health care professionals on infection control protocols and personal protective equipment.