Preparedness of oral healthcare clinics during the coronavirus outbreak – Guidance in more detail from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health

On 24 March, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health supplemented their practical guidance issued to oral healthcare providers on 13 and 18 March 2020. The guidance gives advice on how to prepare for the coronavirus outbreak at oral healthcare clinics.

The guidelines have been specified to correspond to the current guidelines of the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) for those in at-risk groups during the coronavirus outbreak. In addition, the instructions now include a link to the website of the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, which provides, among other things, detailed instructions on the protection of oral healthcare personnel. 

The guidance requires that each oral healthcare clinic must have their own appropriate guidance on how to respond to the coronavirus outbreak at each spreading stage of the disease. In addition, it is possible to agree regionally on the provision of necessary dental care for patients with coronavirus disease, COVID-19. 

In oral healthcare clinics, it is important to act in such a way that clients are not exposed to infections. The occupational safety of staff must be ensured at the clinics even when treating patients with coronavirus disease. 

Inquiries:

Merja Auero, Senior Ministerial Adviser, merja-liisa.auero(at)stm.fi