Invasive Meningococcal Disease (MenB) – IPC Guidance for Dental Practices

Please read the important message below 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.

Sent on behalf of

Jason Wong

Chief Dental Officer England