Protective Measures against COVID-19: Dental Practice and Infection Control

Abstract

The onset of the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has challenged the worldwide healthcare sector, including dentistry. The highly infectious nature of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus and risk of transmission through aerosol generating procedures has profoundly impacted the delivery of dental care services globally. As dental practices with renewed infection control strategies and preventive measures are re-opening in the “new normal” period, it is the responsibility of healthcare professionals to constantly analyze new data and limit the spread of COVID-19 in dental care settings. In the light of new variants of SARS-CoV-2 rapidly emerging in different geographic locations, there is an urgent need to comply more than ever with the rigorous public health measures to mitigate COVID-19 transmission. The aim of this article is to provide dental clinicians with essential information regarding the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus and protective measures against COVID-19 transmission in dental facilities. We complied and provided guidance and standard protocols recommended by credible national and international organizations. This review will serve as an aid to navigating through this unprecedented time with ease. Here we reviewed the available literature recommended for the best current practices that must be taken for a dental office to function safely and successfully.

Pros and Cons of CAD/CAM Technology for Infection Prevention in Dental Settings during COVID-19 Outbreak

“…Dental impressions, trays, occlusal records, prostheses, or appliances can be contaminated with bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Impression disinfection by conventional procedures is not considered among many ICP behaviours during COVID-19 phase II, even in recent papers, when elective (deferrable) dental care was permitted [ 6 , 91 , 92 , 93 , 94 ]. It is risky that, concurrent with limited knowledge about fundamental aspects of disinfection protocols, analogic impression disinfection was not at all considered [ 95 ].…”

Dental Emergencies in an Italian Pediatric Hospital during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Despite that with time, guidelines and consensuses were published concerning how to safely perform dentistry and reduce the risk for SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the dental setting [ 14 ], issues regarding the consequences of suspending routine dental care or delaying the management of oral infections and swellings have risen since the start of the pandemic [ 15 ].…”

Infection prevention and control protocols in dentistry - Canadian guidelines

“…During 1950's ultrasonic scalers and handpieces were introduced in dental practice which led to use of high-volume suction, rubber dam, good ventilation, preoperative mouth rinse, masks and glasses, burs disinfection, wiping down the chair and other surfaces between patients and spraying the operating area at the end of the day [8]. Likely one of the most important cornerstones in dentistry was in the 1980's with emergence of HIV, and increasing prevalence of hepatitis B and C when universal precautions were introduced and instrument sterilization and use of gloves become standard [9]. Recently, Covid-19 pandemic has added to infection prevention and control rules and regulations mostly in personal protective equipment for dental health professionals and screening patients [9].…”

“…Likely one of the most important cornerstones in dentistry was in the 1980's with emergence of HIV, and increasing prevalence of hepatitis B and C when universal precautions were introduced and instrument sterilization and use of gloves become standard [9]. Recently, Covid-19 pandemic has added to infection prevention and control rules and regulations mostly in personal protective equipment for dental health professionals and screening patients [9]. Therefore, IPAC guidelines should be considered as variable document that needs to be constantly updated.…”