DTA PRESS RELEASE: COVID-19 Vaccinations and Personal Safety

The Dental Technologist Association as of 11 January 2021 believe the following to be the current situation regarding Covid-19 vaccinations and how this related to Dental Technicians and Clinical Dental Technicians in private practice:

The Governments of the UK countries have been given guidance on the priorities for Covid-19 inoculation by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

The priority list for the different countries of the UK follows a similar pattern, the below example is taken from the government website.

1. residents in a care home for older adults and their carers
2. all those 80 years of age and over and frontline health and social care workers
3. all those 75 years of age and over
4. all those 70 years of age and over and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals
5. all those 65 years of age and over
6. all individuals aged 16 years to 64 years with underlying health conditions which put them at higher risk of serious disease and mortality
7. all those 60 years of age and over
8. all those 55 years of age and over
9. all those 50 years of age and over

The Chief Dental Officer England has confirmed that only clinical dental technicians (CDTs) registered with the CQC will be prioritised for a Covid-19 vaccine.

The DTA has highlighted to the Chief Dental Officers that CDTs and many dental technicians have direct contact with patients and that many CDTs are not in a position to register with the CQC. The DTA is encouraging the Chief Dental Officers in the UK countries to include all Dental Technicians and all Clinical Dental Technicians in the planned prioritised inoculation of Dental Teams against Covid-19. Whilst it would appear that the criteria is still set by Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

It unlikely at this point in time to be of any use for individuals to make representation to the NHS or your own GPs to request that as a DT or CDT working in the private sector you should be a special case for priority inoculations for Covid-19.

It is essential that everyone follows the Government guidance regarding keeping safe from Coronavirus in its various forms.