COVID-19 RISK MANAGEMENT IN DENTAL OFFICES: A REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Seyedeh Sara Aghili, Aida Pourzal, Seyed Ali Mosaddad, Samira Amookhteh*

ABSTRACT

Since dental staff, including nurses and practitioners, are exposed to various routes of contamination with the novel COVID-19 virus, which is still unknown to the scientific world, developing strategies to reduce the risk of transmission and decontaminate surfaces in a dental office would be of high importance. Although there is still insufficient data on managing this virus in dental offices, several studies have suggested protocols for improving care. This study aimed to review present investigations and reach a conclusion on what we know and need to know to combat this virus. The present research concluded that using a combination of the face shield and N95 masks protected the eyes, nose, and mouth. To have more efficient protection, water-resistant long-sleeved gowns and gloves were highly suggested. In order to overcome aerosols, high-performance air filters and ultraviolet were found quite effective. Allowing the patient to use antiseptic mouthwash before starting the treatment could reduce oral microorganisms and the following airborne contamination. This review has gathered all available data regarding dentistry and COVID-19 in order to conclude what has been achieved yet in the prevention of this virus through dental offices, however, more investigations are needed to have a definitive protocol against the virus.

Keywords: COVID-19, Decontamination, Dental Offices, Disinfection, SARS-CoV-2.