MenB Guidance: Limited Impact for Dental Technologists

Following a recent message from Jason Wong regarding cases of Invasive Meningococcal Disease in the Kent and Canterbury area, dental technologists are advised that there is no change to current laboratory infection control requirements.

The guidance, issued to dental teams across England, confirms that standard infection prevention and control (IPC) measures remain sufficient, with enhanced PPE only required in specific clinical scenarios that would not typically involve dental laboratory work.

As this is primarily a patient-facing clinical concern, the impact on dental laboratories is minimal. However, technologists should continue to follow established protocols for the handling and disinfection of incoming work, ensuring consistency and traceability within existing workflows.

Ongoing monitoring by NHS England and the UK Health Security Agency means any future changes will be communicated promptly.

In summary: no procedural changes are required for dental technologists, but maintaining robust standard IPC practices and clear communication with clinicians remains essential.

Message from Jason Wong, Chief Dental Officer England 

Dear Colleagues, 

Re: Invasive Meningococcal Disease (MenB) - IPC Guidance for Dental Practices 

I am writing to provide reassurance following the outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease linked to the Kent and Canterbury area, and to address concerns regarding PPE requirements in dental settings. At present, national Infection Prevention and Control guidance has not changed. Dental teams should continue to follow standard IPC measures, including their usual PPE ensemble for routine care. 

Higher level PPE, such as FFP3 respirators, is only required for aerosol generating procedures when a patient is suspected of having invasive meningococcal disease. In such circumstances, the patient would require urgent medical care and would not be managed in a dental setting. 

We recognise that the close proximity nature of dental work can heighten concern during infectious disease incidents. However, the current public health assessment does not indicate any additional risk to dental teams beyond that already mitigated by routine IPC measures. 

We will continue to work closely with UKHSA and NHS England to monitor developments. Should national guidance change, we will communicate updates as they arise. 

Thank you for your continued professionalism and commitment to patient care.