COVID-19 and Oral and Maxillofacial Imaging and COVID-19 Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology

Abstract

Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (OMFR) Clinics, private or at Dental Schools, represent a potential environment for transmission and cross-infection of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). During OMFR procedures, such as intra- or extraoral imaging examinations, cone-beam computed tomography, and ultrasonography, the dental staff is in direct contact with patients, increasing the risk of disease transmission. Thus, new biosafety protocols had to be adopted. Due to the high transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 highly restrictive measures were imposed, and social distance was the main one. In this scenario, teleradiology was encouraged to reduce contamination and protect radiologists, and dental schools had to take strict precautions in their traditional educational system. Considering recent literature regarding OMFR and COVID-19, this review provides substantial data about the new precautions of biosafety, teleradiology, and the impact on OMFR teaching.