Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has seen a violent and fast spread worldwide. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has a predominantly respiratory transmission through droplets and aerosol with serious implications for dental settings. This article is based on recent research, guidelines issued by relevant authorities, as well as on the authors' experience acquired through their involvement in setting up an emergency dental care hub in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, during the COVID-19 lockdown. The present article aims to provide a brief description of COVID-19 implications in dental office and to recommend preventive protocols for dental practitioners to ensure a safe and healthful workplace. The recommendations for infection control presented in this article address the specific risks of exposure to SARS-CoV-2. The article provides a special customized guideline covering patient triage and entrance into the dental practice, personnel protection, dental treatment, and after-treatment management. The implementation of strict preventive measures has been found to be efficient in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 contamination because no infections have been reported among our staff or patients. COVID-19 is a major emergency worldwide marked by a rapid evolution and warranting a need for further assessment of the implications of COVID-19 outbreak in dental practice.
Highlights
During this pandemic circumstance, we all witnessed the terrible expansion of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and its dramatic consequences
As respiratory droplets are the main route of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, particulate respirators such as N-95 masks, authenticated by the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, or FFP2-standard masks set by the European Union are recommended for routine dental practice.[13,15,47]
The present article provides an overview of the management of SARS-CoV-2 transmission mostly in relation with the dental office, as well as new guidance that will enhance the organization of dental settings to prevent SARS-CoV-2 contamination and brief information on the economic impact of preventive measures in dental settings
Summary
We all witnessed the terrible expansion of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and its dramatic consequences. Severe complications include respiratory distress syndrome, arrhythmia, and shock.[2] Many SARS-CoV-2 positive patients have demonstrated mild or no symptoms, which makes the clinical diagnosis challenging during the incubation period and, facilitates an accelerate spread of infection.[7]. Reports from dental emergency settings indicate an increase in extractions and a decrease in endodontic treatment acceptance in patients presenting with more severe disease, possibly due to the clinical and economic consequences of the COVID-19 crisis.[10] An increased number of antibiotic prescriptions before referral to the emergency clinics, sometimes incongruent with official recommendations,[11] has been reported.[10].
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