Dental care in COVID-19 times: sharing good protective and biosafety practices

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17267/2596-3368dentistry.v11i1.3053

Keywords:

Coronavirus Infections. Containment of Biohazards. Dentistry.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, dentists were classified as a high-risk professional category for SARS-Cov2 infection and transmission, due to the proximity of the patient's face as well as the frequent performance of aerosol-generating procedures. Transmission of this pathogen during dental procedures can occur by inhaling aerosols/droplets from infected individuals or by direct contact with mucous membranes, oral fluids or contaminated instruments and surfaces. Aware of the risks inherent to the exercise of this profession and facing the world scenario, several recommendations have been suggested for dental surgeons and dental students in patient care. Although biosafety is already part of the dentist's routine, the pandemic context presupposes the need to revisit the guiding principles of this practice and to know the particularities imposed by a hitherto unknown virus. OBJECTIVE: This work aims to propose and discuss measures to deal with the spread of SARS-Cov2 in the dental environment, emphasizing the necessary care for the protection of professionals and patients, in the context of Dentistry in Brazil. METHODS: To this end, a compilation of measures and recommendations was made based on the main technical documents published in recent months by the health authorities. RESULTS: The main recommendations include patient screening, social distance, adjustments to personal protective equipment (PPE) and the use of appropriate disinfection products and techniques. CONCLUSION: This work presented, in an objective and practical way, essential measures for dental work during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the probable permanence of these actions and the importance of adopting rigid, adequate and feasible measures.

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Author Biographies

  • Daniela Costa Moraes, Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública
    Professora auxiliar do curso de Odontologia da Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública
  • Daniela Cristina Diniz Ferreira Galvão, Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública
    Professora Assistente do curso de Odontologia da Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública
  • Neiana Carolina Rios Ribeiro, Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública
    Preceptora de Estágio do curso de Odontologia e Supervisora da Clínica odontológica da Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública
  • Lisia Mariana Silva de Oliveira, Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública
    Gestora Administrativa do Centro Odontológico da Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública
  • Maria Cecília Fonsêca Azoubel, Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública
    Professora Adjunta do curso de Odontologia e Gestora Técnica do Centro Odontológico da Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública
  • Urbino da Rocha Tunes, Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública
    Professor Titular do curso de Odontologia e Coordenador do curso de Odontologia da Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública

Published

2020-06-25

Issue

Section

Literature Review

How to Cite

Dental care in COVID-19 times: sharing good protective and biosafety practices. (2020). Journal of Dentistry & Public Health (inactive Archive Only), 11(1), 73-82. https://doi.org/10.17267/2596-3368dentistry.v11i1.3053

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