Dentist queries lack of PPE from DHB

A rural dental practice says it is shocked by Southern DHB’s refusal to provide it with personal protective equipment.

A manager at the South Otago practice, who requested anonymity, said after making a request to the SDHB he received an email from procurement manager Ian Caird on April 27 suggesting the practice source PPE privately.

In his email, Mr Caird said, "Southern DHB ... have to be pragmatic in the way we distribute supply in order to ensure we have sufficient stocks ... and to date we have only been able to obtain enough supplies of PPE to maintain DHB services."

The practice manager said dentists should also be eligible for DHB-supplied PPE, as most dentists contracted services for children and other groups under combined dental agreements with their health boards.

Under Level 3 restrictions, regional practices can provide emergency dental services to patients, including DHB patients.

That required the use of surgical-grade PPE, he said.

"It’s very troubling for dentists right across New Zealand, as the Ministry of Health regulations are, quite rightly, extremely strict.

"Dentists at present are in the position where we need PPE desperately, but are being refused it by our DHBs."

This was at odds with governmental briefings claiming there was "plenty" of PPE available to medical practitioners, he said.

"Our only option is to remain closed, or pass the costs on to patients who are equally likely to be unable to afford it at present."

Additional PPE costs could be as much as $80 per appointment, he estimated.

"Right now the Government message is inconsistent. Where should we be getting our PPE to provide these essential services?"

A Ministry of Health spokesperson said as private businesses, dentists sourced their own consumables, including PPE.

"Guided by longstanding arrangements, we encourage private dental practices to continue their established practice of sourcing PPE independently through their own arrangements."

Current guidelines were clear, and had been formulated with sector input, they said.

"Ministry of Health-Dental Council guidelines for Alert Level 3 were published on April 22. The NZ Dental Association and other professional organisations were earlier consulted on a draft.

"The ministry considers the guidance ... is clear and supportive of safe oral health practice."