Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Dental Medicine

Context:

• The COVID-19 pandemic rapidly spread globally, originating in China in December 2019.
• National containment measures were implemented, significantly impacting healthcare systems, including oral care.
• Dental procedures pose a high risk of aerosol generation, a primary route for SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

Purpose:

• To address the urgent need for specific oral care recommendations during the COVID-19 epidemic.
• To provide guidance for dental practitioners facing unique contamination risks.
• To inform decision-makers about the specific challenges within dentistry during a public health crisis.

Summary:

• The National College of University Dentists in Public Health (CNCDUSP) formed a working group to develop urgent recommendations for oral care.
• These recommendations consider epidemiological data and the specific risks associated with dental procedures.
• Protective measures for dental surgery professionals were proposed to manage the SARS-CoV-2 transmission risks.

Impact:

• Ensured the continuity of essential oral care services during the epidemic.
• Protected dental healthcare professionals from occupational exposure to the virus.
• Highlighted the need for better integration of dental health considerations into broader public health strategies.