COVID-19 and paradigm shift in prosthodontic practice

Abstract

Since COVID 19 has been declared as a pandemic, regulatory bodies are unsure about its effect on prosthodontic services. Response has varied from complete stoppage of service to rendering only emergency care. This has been majorly due to severity of disease across the globe and lack of preparedness on account of the aggressive nature. But not rendering prosthodontic/dental care is increasing the suffering of patients, burden on emergency department which aren’t able to deliver quality/standard treatment. With new variants continuously emerging, the only option is to re-start prosthodontics practice, albeit with strengthening and modification of preventive measures. Suggestions for preparation of standard guidelines for patient, operator and operatory management during and after the COVID-19 pandemic are detailed in this article.