A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. The H5N1 virus ('bird flu') has fulfilled the first two of the three criteria for a pandemic, although it has not spread easily and sustainably among humans. The Department of Health's Pandemic Flu team is responsible for coordinating the preparations for responding to a flu pandemic should one occur.
The issues for primary care dentistry revolve around PCTs' management of dental contracts during a flu pandemic, practice guidelines for treating patients, and the involvement of dental professionals in managing pandemic flu across the local health economy.
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