Sir, we wish to highlight the recommendations from the Royal College of Surgeons of England regarding the management of dental trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic.1 The usage of orthodontic brackets and modules in the management of dental trauma have previously been proven to be effective.2 The usage of brackets and wire splints by clinicians may eliminate the need for an AGP as brackets can be removed without the usage of a high speed handpiece.1,2

As the capacity of AGPs carried out generally in both primary and secondary care have been greatly reduced, there is also a build-up of patients awaiting treatment in primary care leading to difficulties in accessing primary care. As such, patients often end up in the emergency department (ED) of a hospital, are seen by oral and maxillofacial senior house officers and require follow-up appointments for splint/bracket removal to reduce the risk of ankylosis of the traumatised dentition. With limited access to a clinical assistant and the facilities found in the dental department, it can be a challenging procedure to perform and therefore the competence of the clinician is key.

Whilst such patients commonly present to an ED they may also be readily managed in primary care. For these reasons it may be beneficial for general dental practitioners to attend CPD or refresher courses where appropriate. Ideally, the undergraduate curriculum should also be tailored to ensure this specific clinical skill is being appropriately taught. Students can practise these procedural skills in a suitable facility, as a minimum to ensure confidence and competence upon graduation. With the current surge in COVID-19 and the emergence of a new phase in dentistry, we must ensure the next generation of dentists are well equipped with the change in times.