scholarly journals Changes in dental practice in times of COVID-19: review and recommendations for dental health care

2021 ◽  
Vol 69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuela Gonçalves de Souza e Silva SILVEIRA ◽  
Matheus dos Santos FERNANDEZ ◽  
Thais Freitas Formozo TILLMANN ◽  
Júlia Freire DANIGNO ◽  
Mariana Silveira ECHEVERRIA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Dental Health ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Dental Practice ◽  
Waiting Room ◽  
Patient Screening ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Dental Procedures ◽  
Dental Office ◽  
Dental Professionals

ABSTRACT The aim of this article was to discuss biosafety measures described in the main protocols for minimizing the risk of COVID-19 transmission during dental care. COVID-19 appeared in China in late 2019 and quickly spread to other countries. Factors inherent to dental practice, such as proximity to the patient, transmission through saliva and breath, and the generation of aerosols during procedures, place the dental team at the top of the list among the most vulnerable healthcare providers. Health authorities initially recommended only maintaining urgent and emergency care and suspending elective dental procedures. Currently, elective care is gradually being resumed and requires numerous adjustments to the environment and professional routine in terms of biosafety. Several methods had been recommended to prevent the spread of other infectious diseases prior to the outbreak of COVID-19. However, further modifications are needed for the waiting room, patient screening and flow, procedures, garments, and even in dental office itself. Thus, dental professionals need to be prepared to adopt the new recommendations in order to reduce the chance of disease transmission.

scholarly journals Atendimento odontológico em tempos de COVID-19: compartilhando boas práticas protetivas e de biossegurança

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 73
Author(s):  
Daniela Costa Moraes ◽  
Daniela Cristina Diniz Ferreira Galvão ◽  
Neiana Carolina Rios Ribeiro ◽  
Lisia Mariana Silva de Oliveira ◽  
Maria Cecília Fonsêca Azoubel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dental Students ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Oral Fluids ◽  
Patient Screening ◽  
Professional Category ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Dental Procedures ◽  
The World ◽  
Mucous Membranes ◽  
Dental Work

INTRODUCTION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, dentists were classified as a high-risk professional category for SARS-Cov2 infection and transmission, due to the proximity of the patient's face as well as the frequent performance of aerosol-generating procedures. Transmission of this pathogen during dental procedures can occur by inhaling aerosols/droplets from infected individuals or by direct contact with mucous membranes, oral fluids or contaminated instruments and surfaces. Aware of the risks inherent to the exercise of this profession and facing the world scenario, several recommendations have been suggested for dental surgeons and dental students in patient care. Although biosafety is already part of the dentist's routine, the pandemic context presupposes the need to revisit the guiding principles of this practice and to know the particularities imposed by a hitherto unknown virus. OBJECTIVE: This work aims to propose and discuss measures to deal with the spread of SARS-Cov2 in the dental environment, emphasizing the necessary care for the protection of professionals and patients, in the context of Dentistry in Brazil. METHODS: To this end, a compilation of measures and recommendations was made based on the main technical documents published in recent months by the health authorities. RESULTS: The main recommendations include patient screening, social distance, adjustments to personal protective equipment (PPE) and the use of appropriate disinfection products and techniques. CONCLUSION: This work presented, in an objective and practical way, essential measures for dental work during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the probable permanence of these actions and the importance of adopting rigid, adequate and feasible measures.

scholarly journals The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on dental practice in Iran: a questionnaire-based report

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanie Ahmadi ◽  
Alireza Ebrahimi ◽  
Farhad Ghorbani
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Dental Health ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Dental Practice ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Dental Services ◽  
Emergency Procedures ◽  
Dental Procedures ◽  
Dental Practitioners ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background The highly contagious nature of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2), besides the fact that dental procedures commonly generate blood and saliva droplets that could lead to the contagion have resulted in the closure of many dental clinics. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on dental practice by conducting an online questionnaire among the Iranian dental practitioners and finding their perspectives on the subject. Methods This report is based on a questionnaire that was conducted among Iranian dentists. The survey included questions that evaluate the dentists’ perceptions and attitudes toward the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on their personal life, financial status, and the quality of dental services for patients. Results Overall, 240 dentists contributed to this study (214 general dentists and 26 specialists). The majority of the participants (n = 170, 70%) did not perform non-emergency procedures during the pandemic. The dental practitioners have suggested several strategies to decrease the risk of contagion, such as reducing treatment sessions (n = 90, 37%), strict triage of patients (n = 156, 64%), and using personal protective equipment (n = 108, 45%). However, most of the dentists (n = 210, 87%) had problems, providing personal protective equipment during the pandemic. Moreover, 97% (n = 234) of the participants reported that they encountered a decrease in their financial income since the eruption of the pandemic. Conclusion Dental health care workers are at the highest risk of contracting COVID-19. Thus, dental practitioners ought to execute the standard protocols more cautiously during the pandemic. They could also lower their work hours and limit dental procedures to emergency treatments to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Besides, the public organizations should provide proper equipment for the dental practitioners to decrease the risk of contagion.

Infection Control In Prosthodontics

2010 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-11
Author(s):  
Neeraj Rampal ◽  
Pankaj Kaushik
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Dental Health ◽  
High Standard ◽  
Dental Practice ◽  
Clinical Protocols ◽  
Infectious Disease Transmission ◽  
Safety Measures ◽  
Dental Health Care ◽  
Guidelines And Recommendations

ABSTRACT Infection control is an important concept in the present day practice of dentistry. Dentistry is predominantly a field of surgery, involving exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials and therefore, requires a high standard of Infection Control and Safety Many countries in the world have strong guidelines and recommendations for dental safety. In a country like India, the concept is new and needs to be advocated on the highest priority Infection control is important in dental practice to control patient-to-patient infectious disease transmission, and occupational exposure of dental health care personnel (DHCP) to infectious, chemical and other hazards present/encountered during the practice of dentistry. To avoid disease transmission it is important to understand the mechanism of transmission of infection, the pathogens involved and the Safety measures that can be undertaken. The prosthodontists are at an added risk of transmission because of the infection spreading through the contaminated lab equipments while working in the lab. The lab protocols should also be strictly followed along with the clinical protocols.

scholarly journals Safe dental practice during the COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-120
Author(s):  
Joo Ming Cheong
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Dental Practice ◽  
Health Concerns ◽  
Dental Office ◽  
Technical Report ◽  
Dental Professionals

 Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused widespread public health concerns and many disruptions in our daily life. Dental professionals may encounter patients with COVID-19 infections in their practice. This technical report provides suggestions andrecommendations for implementing infection control in the dental office during COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals “DENTISTRY IN COVID-19”

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Urvi Echhpal ◽  
Asbah Shaikh ◽  
Mateenah Patrawala ◽  
Shamika Purao ◽  
Parimal Yewale
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Patient Management ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Cross Infection ◽  
Patient Screening ◽  
Dental Procedures ◽  
Dental Office ◽  
Almost All

In the current COVID 19 pandemic, Dentists, auxiliaries as well as patients undergoing dental procedures are at high risk of cross-infection. Almost all dental procedures involve close contact with the patient’s oral cavity, saliva, blood and respiratory tract secretions. Saliva is rich in COVID 19 viral load. Many patients who are asymptomatic may be carriers. Hence, it is suggested that all patients who visit a dental office should be treated with all due precautions. Thus, the aim of this article is to provide a brief overview of the epidemiology, symptoms, and routes of transmission of this novel infection and protocol for patient screening, infection control strategies, and patient management.

scholarly journals Recommendations based on International Guidelines for Safe Dental Practice During Covid-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-30
Author(s):  
Ashutosh Kumar Singh ◽  
Manoj Humagain ◽  
Nikita Khanal
Keyword(s):  
International Organizations ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Dental Practice ◽  
International Guidelines ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Treatment Providers ◽  
Dental Practices ◽  
Risk Of Disease ◽  
Dental Conditions ◽  
Dental Professionals

The shutdown of dental practices after the announcement of COVID-19 has been implemented worldwide. Aerosol generating procedures and face to face contact with the patients put dental professionals at highest risk of disease transmission. There is a looming risk of increasing severity of dental conditions and burden on treatment providers if required dental treatments are kept on hold for an indefinite time. There is a need for definite guidelines to safely resume dental practice in Nepal, based on international experiences during COVID-19 pandemic and international dental societies recommendations. We have compiled multiple recommendations and guidelines from reputed international organizations and collected evidence from dental professional’s work from China and Italy during COVID-19 crisis and attempted to put forward some recommendations and guidelines that can be followed for a safe dental practice in Nepal.

Analysis of awareness of infection control in dental practice during the COVID-19 outbreak among dental practitioners in Tamil Nadu

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 653-658
Author(s):  
Roshan A ◽  
Jeevitha M ◽  
Sridevi G
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Tamil Nadu ◽  
Dental Health ◽  
Health Staff ◽  
Dental Practice ◽  
Department Of Health ◽  
Dental Practitioners ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire ◽  
Dental Professionals

Given the existence of a standardized tool and infection control recommendations for COVID-19, many dental professionals lack the minimum infection control requirements. As the disease outbreak continues to evolve and health centres respond to unique situations in their communities, the Department of Health recognizes that dental settings may also be necessary to provide non-emergency dental care. The dental environment will balance the need to include the resources available whilst reducing the harm to patients and dental health staff. The aim of the study is to assess the awareness of infection control in dental practice in the COVID-19 outbreak among dental practitioners. A Self-administered questionnaire was designed based on awareness of infection control for a dental practice in the COVID-19 outbreak. The questionnaire was distributed through an online google form link. The study population included dental professionals in Tamil Nadu. The data was collected and statistically analysed. 81% use PPE (personal protective equipment) during the procedure, 82.7% of patients are made to rinse their mouth with an antimicrobial mouth rinse before the dental procedure. Based on the findings, awareness level and infection control in dental practice can be improved.

scholarly journals Biosafety Measures at the Dental Office After the Appearance of COVID-19: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Fiorella del Pilar Cabrera-Tasayco ◽  
Juana Mercedes Rivera-Carhuavilca ◽  
Katherine Joselyn Atoche-Socola ◽  
Claudio Peña-Soto ◽  
Luis Ernesto Arriola-Guillén
Keyword(s):  
Dental Care ◽  
Dental Health ◽  
Good Alternative ◽  
Waiting Room ◽  
Care Processes ◽  
Dental Office ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Specific Order ◽  
Restorative Therapy ◽  
Cleaning And Disinfection

ABSTRACT The purpose of this research was to determine biosecurity measures at the dental office after the appearance of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). A search was conducted in the main databases of the scientific literature using the words “COVID-19, coronavirus, SARS-Cov2, biosecurity, disinfection and dentistry.” We analyzed biosecurity and disinfection standards at the dental office and dental health personnel to date, and their adaptation to the needs and way of working of each. As a result, according to the information collected the following procedure was identified: a telephone appointment must be made and a questionnaire should be given before dental care; at arrival to the appointment, the temperature of the patient should be taken and proper cleaning and disinfection of the waiting room should be maintained. Panoramic radiography and CBCT are the auxiliary methods of choice. Absolute isolation and atraumatic restorative therapy techniques are a good alternative to decrease fluid exposure. The removal of protective clothing and accessories must follow a specific order and washing hands before and after is essential. In conclusion, the efficient biosecurity for dentists and patients in all dental care processes before, during, and immediately after the appointment reduces the risk of COVID-19 infection and allows healthy dental care environments.

scholarly journals Relationship between work-related ocular events, facial injuries and associated factors amongst dental professionals during COVID-19

Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Wajiha Anzar ◽  
Ashar Afaq ◽  
Qaiser Ali Baig ◽  
Osama Y. Mohamed ◽  
Ishfaq A Bukhari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Facial Injuries ◽  
Dental Procedures ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Ocular Injuries ◽  
The Government ◽  
Dental Professionals

BACKGROUND: In dental settings, COVID-19 can be transmitted directly from patients to dentists through small droplets, saliva splashes, blood, and other body fluids liberated as a result of dental procedures. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of ocular and facial injuries in dental professionals and to investigate factors in dental practice contributing to ocular injuries. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was performed in public and private sector universities. The study had 301 participants including final year undergraduate students, interns, postgraduate trainees, general practitioners, and dental specialists. Data were gathered online using Google forms. Information on sociodemographic, practice details, history of ocular and facial encounters during the clinical experience, and protective measures adopted by the dentists were collected. Means and standard deviations were calculated for continuous variables whereas frequencies and percentages were calculated for categorical variables. A Chi-square test was applied for association between variables. RESULTS: Ocular events and facial injuries occurred more in females 204 (67.8%) than in males 97(32.2%). Final year students reported more incidence of ocular encounters than specialists (40.9%, 3.3%). Dentists working in the government sector underwent more ocular encounters than those in private sectors 185(61.4%) and 96 (31.8%). Majority of participants reported that scaling was the procedure in which dentists experienced an ocular event. A significant association was found between ocular events, qualification, years of experience in clinical practice, number of patients treated per day, improper posture, and proper armamentarium (p <  0.05). However, no association was found between ocular events, gender, working sector, and dental procedures. CONCLUSION: Occurrence of ocular injuries were high compared to facial injuries and these outcomes were dependent on dental expertise and experiences. Appropriate measures should be adopted to minimize the risk of disease transmission and COVID-19 through the eyes among practicing dentists.

scholarly journals Aerosol Reduction In Dentistry: Minimizing Risk Of Covid 19

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bhanu P. Lakhani ◽  
Apoorva Sharma ◽  
Varun Sanwalka ◽  
Pulkit Lakhani
Keyword(s):  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Aerosol Generation ◽  
Dental Office ◽  
Dental Offices ◽  
Control Disease ◽  
And Control ◽  
Procedural Recommendations ◽  
Dental Professionals

— Introduction: The challenging times of COVID 19 pandemic pose a greater risk to dental professionals and patients. Since the worldwide outbreak, dental offices have been advised to disrupt regular functioning. Aim and Objective: This article aims to discuss measures of infection prevention and control, special procedural recommendations to minimize disease transmission while reducing aerosol generation, surface disinfection and careful waste management to assist dental offices to limit the risk of COVID 19. Conclusion: Adhering to the principles of infection control and non-aerosol generating practices in dental office could help control disease transmission, keeping the dental professionals and the patients safe.

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