Question reference: S5W-30163
- Asked by: Alison Johnstone, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Green Party
- Date lodged: 22 June 2020
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Current status: Answered by Joe FitzPatrick on 7 July 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers root canal procedures to be classed as urgent dental care.
Answer
Root canal procedures, including the opening of the root canal, removal of pulp, and the application of an appropriate temporary filling, can currently be carried out within an Urgent Dental Care Centre (UDCC).
Root canal treatments rely on the use of dental equipment that produces an aerosol which could increase the risk of transmission of coronavirus from asymptomatic patients. Due to this, these procedures should not be carried out in general practice at present to ensure the safety of patients and staff, and prevent community transmission of coronavirus. Patients requiring urgent root canal procedures should be referred to an UDCC.