Preprocedural Pool Testing Strategy for Dentistry during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) in dentistry pose a risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission to dental professionals.
• Preprocedural testing for SARS-CoV-2 was recommended for asymptomatic patients undergoing AGPs.
• Pool testing offers a cost-effective approach for mass preprocedural testing with comparable accuracy to PCR.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness and utility of incorporating SARS-CoV-2 preprocedural testing in dental clinics before AGPs.
• To assess the role of pool testing as a preprocedural screening method for asymptomatic dental patients.

Main Methods:

• Patients recommended for AGPs where rubber dam isolation was not feasible were advised preprocedural SARS-CoV-2 testing.
• A pool testing strategy was implemented, with testing conducted 48 hours prior to the dental procedure.
• Data collected from June to July 2020 on patient testing and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Of 464 patients recommended for dental procedures, 194 required AGPs without rubber dam isolation.
• Out of 83 patients who underwent pool testing, 7 (8.4%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.
• 111 patients deferred both the procedure and testing.

Conclusions:

• Pool testing is a viable and cost-effective preprocedural test for asymptomatic, low-risk dental patients undergoing AGPs, particularly in areas with low to moderate disease prevalence.
• This strategy can significantly reduce testing costs and conserve valuable resources.
• Ethical considerations associated with preprocedural testing require careful attention and management.