COVID-19 vaccination for dental teams in England

All dental professionals in England will need to be vaccinated against COVID-19, unless they are exempt for medical reasons, by 1 April 2022. Subject to these changes being agreed by Parliament, this will be a legal requirement for all workers aged 18 and over, working in patient-facing roles in an environment regulated by the CQC, both in the NHS or independent health sector.

There are no legal requirements for vaccination in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

The General Dental Council has provided information for all dental professionals regarding COVID-19 vaccinations for the dental team following the announcement of mandatory vaccination requirements that will come into force from 1st April this year.

The Council has stressed that, while the recently announced policy regarding mandatory vaccinations for all healthcare workers in patient-facing roles and in Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulated premises, has come from the Government and the Department of Health (DoH) and not the GDC, the Council has undertaken to provide clarification and guidance.

To be fully vaccinated (first and second dose) by 1 April 2022, individuals will need to receive their first vaccination by 3 February and second vaccination by 31 March 2022.

See GDC guidance for dental teams on vaccination.