England's dental surgeries still have no date to reopen in the coronavirus pandemic, the government said today.
Talks are ongoing eight weeks into the lockdown, despite draft dates being announced for schools, non-essential shops and even cafes and restaurants to open their doors.
Regional dental hubs are offering emergency treatment.
But routine dentistry was not directly mentioned in the government's roadmap for easing the lockdown.
Dentists are especially at risk because their work creates "aerosols" which can infect them with Covid-19.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said today: "We are working on the restart of dentistry more broadly.
"I understand the challenges especially for those who want to see their own dentists and, frankly, for dentists' practices.
"With NHS contracts we have continued to keep the funds flowing but, of course, many dentists rely on their private income as well - and we support the mixed market in dentistry.
"What we need to do is get dentistry safely up and running when we can, but it has to be safe."
It came after Tory MP Sir Desmond Swayne said regional hubs "offer little more than extractions".
He told the Commons: "I want to keep my teeth!
"When will dentists be able to treat their own patients?"
Mr Hancock replied: "We have urgent dental hubs so anybody who does need urgent dentistry can get a dentist's appointment through their GP."
The British Dental Association has been calling for more clarity over when and how dentists might be able to reopen.
The group joined NHS England, the Chief Dental Officer and a Health Minister last week for meetings about how to "increase dental activity once restrictions ease."
The BDA revealed last week that the reopening of dentists will likely "take into account conditions, rather than be tied to specific dates."
Previously the BDA had criticised changes in England's lockdown, saying it prompted "confusion" among dentists.
Despite people who could not work from home being told to return to work, it later transpired that advice did not include dental practices.
