Streamlining the dental care during COVID-19 pandemic: updated clinical recommendations and infection control management framework

Abstract

Several guidelines for dental practice have been published by dental associations and regulatory boards since the beginning of the pandemic. Initially, all non-emergency dental treatment were suspended. Healthcare personnel around the world are gradually expanding back to elective procedures. International updated recommendations alert that professionals must maintain regular observation of local health department reports, ensure personal protective equipment, and screen all patients for COVID-19 signs and symptoms. Telehealth strategies, patient screening, rescheduling when presenting COVID-19 symptoms and/or history of contact with infected people and hand/environment hygiene practices are reinforced. Appropriate cleaning and surface disinfection are mandatory. The dental staff must be trained to use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), following a risk assessment and standard precautions: gloves; fluid resistant disposable gown, eye protection (face shield or goggles) and a medical mask. A fit tested N95 or KN95 respirator (or higher) is recommended when aerosol generating procedures are performed. Only essential accompanying persons should attend to dental appointment with the patient and must wear a cloth face covering or facemask. Social distancing and mask wearing by all staff are necessary in all areas of the office. Dental health care providers should keep up to date to the current guidance of clinical practice during the pandemic.

Dental Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic in a German Dental Hospital

“…However, due to the protective measures, dental staff in Marburg did not become infected by these patients, as evidenced by appropriate testing of the staff. As recommended, the dental staff, as well as dental students, wore during patient treatment a fit tested FFP2, N95 or KN95 respirator, eye protection, a gown or protective clothing and gloves [ 16 , 17 , 18 ].…”

COVID-19: the impact on oral health care

“…The new recommendations for the dental care systems were i) to ensure the continuity of dental health care prioritizing high-risk groups; ii) monitoring of patients through teledentistry; iii) prioritize minimally invasive procedures, limiting the generation of aerosols; iv) and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). In addition, measures to reduce the production of aerosols from handpieces and ultrasound, and the use of high-powered aspirators, have been implemented to limit the spread of aerosols and the risk of contamination 28,35,36 .…”

Avaliação da Integridade de Luvas de Procedimentos Novas Utilizando Micro-Organismos

“…Dentre tais medidas, destacam-se as Precauções Padrão, que incluem a higienização das mãos; o uso de Equipamento de Proteção Individual (EPI), como luvas, máscara, protetor de olhos, protetor de face e avental; manejo e descarte adequados de materiais perfurocortantes e resíduos e imunização dos profissionais (SIEGEL et al, 2007). A importância das Precauções Padrão vem sendo reforçada através da publicação de várias diretrizes para os serviços de saúde pelas associações profissionais, assim como pelos conselhos regulatórios desde o início da pandemia da doença causada pelo novo coronavírus descoberto em 2019 (BRASIL, 2020;PEREIRA et al, 2021).…”

“…Inseridas no conjunto de normas de biossegurança estão as luvas, que representam uma barreira ao contato direto do profissional com amostras biológicas, minimizando as chances de contaminação da pele das mãos e antebraços durante a prestação de cuidados e manipulação de instrumentos ou superfícies, além de reduzirem a probabilidade de contaminação do paciente. A adesão às normas relacionadas à higienização correta das mãos antes do enluvamento e após a retirada do EPI contribuem significativamente para a diminuição da incidência de contaminações (BALOH et al, 2019;BRASIL, 2020;OBERG et al, 2007;RODRIGUES;PEREIRA;FERREIRA JÚNIOR, 2013).…”