Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Emerging and Future Challenges for Dental and Oral Medicine

Abstract

The epidemic of coronavirus disease 2019 , originating in Wuhan, China, has become a major public health challenge for not only China but also countries around the world. The World Health Organization announced that the outbreaks of the novel coronavirus have constituted a public health emergency of international concern. As of February 26, 2020, COVID-19 has been recognized in 34 countries, with a total of 80,239 laboratory-confirmed cases and 2,700 deaths. Infection control measures are necessary to prevent the virus from further spreading and to help control the epidemic situation. Due to the characteristics of dental settings, the risk of cross infection can be high between patients and dental practitioners. For dental practices and hospitals in areas that are (potentially) affected with COVID-19, strict and effective infection control protocols are urgently needed. This article, based on our experience and relevant guidelines and research, introduces essential knowledge about COVID-19 and nosocomial infection in dental settings and provides recommended management protocols for dental practitioners and students in (potentially) affected areas.

COVID-19 Outbreak: An Overview on Dentistry

“…To take significant actions against this harmful disease, the American Dental Association updated its webpage in March, including a link to frequently asked questions from member dentists covering topics such as personal protective equipment and patient communications. Recently, an interesting paper written by researchers from Wuhan University School and Hospital of Stomatology was published with several recommendations for dentists and dental students to manage COVID-19 patients [4]. Dentists have been recommended to take several personal protection measures and avoid or minimize operations that can produce droplets or aerosols; moreover, the use of saliva ejectors with a low volume or high volume can reduce the production of droplets and aerosols.…”

Approaches to the management of patients in oral and maxillofacial surgery during COVID-19 pandemic

“…However, from a certain point of time onward, COVID-19 should no longer hamper comprehensive patient treatment, including elective surgery. As soon as possible, adequate infrastructures have to be implemented that respect the new requirements (Meng et al, 2020).…”

Saliva—Friend and Foe in the COVID-19 Outbreak

“…The potential for transmission via salivary bioaerosols poses a particularly significant danger to healthcare workers that operate in close proximity to the face and oral cavities, such as dental practitioners; oral-maxillofacial surgeons; ear, nose, and throat (ENT; otorhinolaryngology) surgeons; and ophthalmologists, especially when carrying out procedures that generate aerosols [41,42]. Indeed, the COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in the significant curtailment of services provided by these health professionals, posing a significant public health problem, as important and highly prevalent oral and ENT conditions cannot be adequately treated during this epidemic [41][42][43][44]. Thus, understanding the role of salivary aerosols in COVID-19 transmission is imperative, as is an appreciation of the effect of various environmental and therapeutic interventions on the extent of aerosol creation, and the development of strategies to minimise the risk to both health professionals and patients alike.…”