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. 2020 Jul;229(2):89-92.
doi: 10.1038/s41415-020-1854-6.

The dental team as part of the medical workforce during national and global crises

Sarah Sacoor  1 , Simran Chana  2 , Farida Fortune  3
Affiliations

The dental team as part of the medical workforce during national and global crises

Sarah Sacoor et al. Br Dent J. 2020 Jul.

Abstract

In a national or global crisis, a healthcare system and its workforce should have the flexibility and resilience to deliver the required level of care for all its constituents. The current COVID-19 pandemic necessitated rapid decisions and early redeployment of staff to deliver essential healthcare. Having the dental team as part of this strategy would increase availability of healthcare workers. They have the potential to make a significant contribution as part of the medical workforce during national and global crises. The desirability of redeploying dentists at short notice is supported by several factors: they are accustomed to working in stressful situations, are effective communicators, are familiar with infection control procedures and work wearing PPE, are immunised and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)-checked, and undergo regular training in the management of medical emergencies. Dentists are also experienced in administrative tasks and have knowledge of legislation. They have additional resilience from working in different settings. They have the potential to make a significant contribution as part of the medical workforce during national and global crises.

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