Dental practice during the era of COVID-19

Abstract

Since the emergence of COVID-19, dentists all over the world have been put into the high risk zone for the possibility of cross-infection. All the dental clinics were initially instructed to treat only emergency cases which resulted into the negligence of dental health. In order to restore the dental health status and dental practices, it is necessary for dentists and dental staff to follow utmost precautions and new treatment protocol to reduce the chances of infection and contamination of dental operatory. This review article focuses on the current scenario of dentistry based on the outbreak of pandemic in year 2020 and how dentists can modify the treatment protocol in order to deliver safe and efficient treatment to the patients. Literature for the review was searched using the online database – Pubmed. Around 70 studies were being referred to understand the disease and its impact on dentistry. Changes should be made in the designing of the clinic along with adoption of the new working protocol. Appointments should be scheduled in a way such that social distancing is followed. All the patients and dental staff shall be made familiar with the concept of hand hygiene, personal protective wear, use of masks and other hygiene etiquettes and protocols. Dental staff should be trained prior to opening of the clinic. They all must be trained to maintain a sterile environment and record a thorough case history. All the working members must also be made aware about the oral manifestations of COVID-19 and should be looked for before initiating the treatment.