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

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.