COVID-19 and its impact in the dental setting: A scoping review

Abstract

Introduction The scoping review examined the evidence related to infection control and transmission measures of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in a dental setting during this pandemic. Dental practitioners are normally guided in practice by set ethical principles, thus the researchers wanted to determine how these rules are managed during this pandemic. Methods A protocol specific for the objectives of this study was developed according to the criteria for a scoping review. Relevant databases (Pubmed, Scopus, Elsevier, Science Direct, Wiley), including online access to health/ dental organizations (World Health Organization/ American Dental Association), were searched to identify evidence which was restricted to the English language for the period 2015–2020. Predetermined eligibility criteria were applied, evidence was assessed and data extracted for each included article. Relevant outcomes assessed were: infection control measures, transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, such as modes and sources of transmission and the ethical principles related to the dental setting with a focus on the COVID-19 pandemic. Results Searches yielded a total of 402 articles: 387 from electronic databases and 15 from other sources. Of these, 231 were unrelated to the objectives of the current scoping review. The full text of 69 studies was assessed for eligibility, of which 26 were finalized for inclusion following the objectives and inclusion criteria set for the scoping review. Most of the included articles were reviews, recommendations and guidelines for dentists. A narrative explanation of the pre-specified outcomes is reported for the 3 areas covered for this review. There is no clinical evidence available that can support the recommendations by individuals, dental organizations or health authorities related to the objectives of this review, but these may be considered as the much needed guidelines during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. A different ethical framework is required during a pandemic and these must be informed by evidence.

Implementation of COVID-19 Infection Control Measures by German Dentists: A Qualitative Study to Identify Enablers and Barriers

“…Dental practices have been concomitantly subjected to various legislative and self-governing measures with the aim to reduce the risk of infection of patients, providers and staff. These measures focus on adjusting infrastructure and organization (plexiglass walls, air ventilation, longer appointments, staff rotations, reduction of high-risk activities) and personal protection equipment of staff and patients (PPE) [ 1 ]. The extent to which these measures were implemented, and their enforcement were highly variable between countries.…”

Pandemics past, present, and future

“…Last but not least, policy makers and regulatory bodies need to take a broad and deep look at how the pandemic has affected the dental profession and review and modify the guidelines and recommendations across the whole spectrum of dental practice and training. 33 , 35 …”

Ética del odontólogo en la pandemia del COVID-19

“…El respeto mutuo de los involucrados y la limitación del daño se refieren a lo colectivo y no solo a lo individual, por ello, durante una pandemia es posible que el odontólogo deba pasar por alto protocolos en beneficio del paciente, pero también debe considerar otros principios éticos. Estas desviaciones de la norma implican que los marcos éticos deban cambiar en situaciones de pandemia (9) . D´Cruz (12) ejemplifica uno de los escenarios que suceden durante la pandemia.…”

“…Al iniciar la pandemia, el Ministerio de Salud del Ecuador limitó la atención odontológica de rutina mientras dure la emergencia sanitaria a la realización exclusiva de tratamientos de emergencias y urgencias odontológicas definidas en el documento normativo con la finalidad de proteger a la comunidad del contagio con el COVID-19 (8) . La literatura sobre la ética del odontólogo durante la pandemia es limitada (9) . Este artículo revisa la literatura sobre las publicaciones relacionadas con la ética odontológica durante la pandemia por el COVID-19.…”