New Post-COVID-19 Biosafety Protocols in Pediatric Dentistry

Tamires Timm Maske,Paulo Floriani Kramer,Lívia Mund De Amorim,Carlos Alberto Feldens,Rubem Beraldo Dos Santos,Simone Helena Ferreira

doi:10.1590/pboci.2020.117

Abstract

The most recent Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome - COVID-19 - caused by coronavirus infection (SARS-CoV-2) has high-virulence transmission and direct human contagiousness by proximity. Thus, the considerable occupational risk in pediatric dentistry is evident, given the nature and form of procedures performed in an outpatient setting. Thus, the aim of this paper was to identify and contextualize technical and scientific information available to date aimed at preventing and minimizing risks for patients, caregivers and professionals. The results indicate that protective measures are being developed considering procedures according to risks and benefits, and five points stand out: 1. Regulation of resumption of elective procedures, screening and scheduling patients; 2. Restructuring clinical environment and infection control; 3. Improvement of personal protective equipment and biosafety recommendations; 4. Maximization of the use of non-invasive techniques, use of high-powered dental suction, and absolute isolation of the operative field; and 5. Minimization of the use of air-water syringe, dental spittoon and high-speed handpiece. The measures to be taken require reflection for the restart of a “new clinical practice”, especially aiming at behavioral and structural changes regarding operational biosafety.

Highlights

COVID-19 is a viral infection caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), identified in December2019 in the city of Wuhan in China
The most recent Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome - COVID-19 - caused by coronavirus infection (SARS-CoV-2) has high-virulence transmission and direct human contagiousness by proximity
Measures to be taken during dental care after COVID-19 pandemic require reflection for the resumption of clinical practice, especially regarding behavioral changes aimed at operational biosafety

Summary

Introduction

COVID-19 is a viral infection caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), identified in December2019 in the city of Wuhan in China. COVID-19 is a viral infection caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), identified in December. In view of the growing number of cases and localities involved, in March 2020, it was declared a global pandemic outbreak affecting 170 regions and countries, with more than 400 thousand confirmed cases [2]. The transmission model of the novel coronavirus and its high virulence involve direct and indirect human contagiousness by proximity, potentially spreading through saliva and respiratory fluids [3,4]. Most health teams, especially in the medical field, acquired the disease during the care of infected individuals. There is a considerable occupational risk given the nature of procedures performed on an outpatient setting, making patient care a potential challenge in coping with this disease [1,5]

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