Being a dentist in the pandemic

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (formerly 2019-nCoV), presents significant challenges to healthcare settings.
• Dental professionals are at high risk of exposure to infectious agents due to close patient contact and potential exposure to blood and saliva.

Purpose of the Study:

• To inform front-line dentists about the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To provide a protocol for managing potential exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in a dental clinical setting.
• To outline infection control measures relevant to dental practice during the pandemic.

Main Methods:

• This paper is an essay synthesizing available information on COVID-19.
• It reviews general information on coronaviruses, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis.
• It applies international guidelines to develop a management protocol for dental settings.

Main Results:

• Face-to-face communication and exposure to bodily fluids increase infection risk for dental care workers.
• There is a high risk of cross-infection in dental practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Specific infection control measures, including mouth rinses, rubber dam isolation, anti-retraction handpieces, disinfectants, and waste management, are crucial.

Conclusions:

• Dentists play a critical role in interrupting the transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
• Postponing non-emergency dental care for all patients is a key strategy to reduce transmission.
• Adherence to updated infection control protocols is essential for protecting dental professionals and patients.