2. Statement by the First Minister: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 11:43 am on 10 June 2020.

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Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour 11:43, 10 June 2020

It's quite impossible to practice dentistry at a 2m distance, and the use of aerosols, which is an intrinsic part of dental practice, poses particular risks when it comes to this virus. So, we are keen, of course, to see dentistry resume, as with other primary care services, but it's got to be done in a way that protects the health of workers and of patients. That's what the advice of the chief dental officer was designed to deliver in a phased resumption of dental practice. She remains in close conversation with the profession. If it is safe to do more more quickly, that is exactly what we would want to see. But the word 'safe' has to mean something, and it has to mean something that we can all rely on, otherwise patients won't come. That's why it's in the interest of the profession to make sure that they can confidently communicate to patients that the services they will be offering have been approved by the leaders of their profession as being ones that are now safe to resume.