COVID-19 & its implications on Dental practice: A Orthodontist’s perspective- Review

Abstract

The coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic is a public health worldwide problem for which specific guidelines are published, constantly updated by the World Health Organization (WHO). Considering the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 situation, it is evident that there is a need for clinical measures and guidelines for use in orthodontic practices during pandemic situations. Orthodontic problems, like general dentistry problems, represent urgencies, not true emergencies, so a video call or message with a photo might be the best options to evaluate the case. By providing appropriate timely management, inconvenience and distress to both the patient and parents may be minimized with the efficacy of the appliance still being maintained. These guidelines should provide priority for COVID-19 testing and guidelines for PPE needed in orthodontic practices for specific procedures; and comprehensive protocols for proper virtual based consultations and appointments that assure adequate patient care. With the passing days it seems inevitable that COVID-19 has and will forever change the way we practice orthodontics, but with unity and collegiality in the orthodontic community, we can surmount this together. With focus on virtual assistance devices and classification of emergencies. A brief summary of guidelines on the management of orthodontic patients during COVID-19 emergency is proposed. key words: Covid, Orthodontics,Infection control