Abstract
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been prioritized in relation to other illnesses considered critical, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases/stroke, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases. The management of patients with these diseases involves dental care to reduce systemic complications caused by odontogenic infections, and/or to treat oral manifestations of systemic comorbidities. In this regard, the dental care of these individuals must be guaranteed during the pandemic. Although a high risk of exposure to and catching of COVID-19 is expected to befall dental professionals, biosafety guidelines reduce the likelihood of infection. Thus, the current scenario poses challenges, and offers decision-making approaches and tools that facilitate the management of individuals with oral manifestations of chronic and/or critical diseases, using hospital-based services. This article presents an overview for hospital service providers who are at the forefront of COVID-19 care, including a secure protocol, and clinical guidelines based on the experience of the Hospital das Clínicas in Belo Horizonte, a public referral service, supported by the Brazilian National Health System.
Highlights
The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Brazil was reported on February 21, 2020.3 Since this nation has become the new epicenter of COVID-19, totaling more than 6.3 million cases and over 172,800 deaths by the end of November 2020
COVID-19 has represented a major change in dental clinical practice, mainly in hospital services
We discussed our experience at the Hospital das Clínicas in Belo Horizonte, a public referral service supported by the Brazilian National Health System and at the forefront of COVID-19 care
Summary
Ever since the initial coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in late December 2019, in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, and as of March 11, 2020, when the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the severe, acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as a global pandemic, the disease has become a global threat with a dramatic impact on healthcare systems.[1,2] The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Brazil was reported on February 21, 2020.3 Since this nation has become the new epicenter of COVID-19, totaling more than 6.3 million cases and over 172,800 deaths by the end of November 2020. Efforts have been made to reduce transmission of the epidemic and evolutionary trajectories of SARS-CoV-2 lineages in Brazil, current interventions are still insufficient to keep transmission of the virus under control in the country.[4]. The concerns and fears of dentists in Brazil and worldwide regarding professional practice during the COVID-19 pandemic are notorious.[5,6] By mid-April 2020, 278 physicians worldwide had died from COVID-19.7 Among the providers working on the frontline, 6% were dentists. The burden imposed by COVID-19 on health workers is overwhelming and undeniable.[8]
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