COVID-19 Crisis and Precautions in Dental Practice: A Review Report

Abstract

Background: In December 2019, a new deadly, highly contagious virus, namely coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbroke in Wuhan city, China, from wildlife trading and consumption. Till mid-February, the virus spread to almost all continents of the world with a death toll in the 1000s. As this novel coronavirus lacked specific treatment, the focus was directed on prevention. Types of studies reviewed: As COVID-19 was new to the world, all the available literature including original articles, case reports, World Health Organization and Center for Disease Control recommendations, and various other government and nongovernment institute guidelines were reviewed to make this report. Results: Even though dental procedures have the highest chance of transmission, there are lacked recommendations on precautions and preventing the spread of this deadly virus in dental practice. After analyzing the above available literature, we outlined recommendations on the specific cohort of patients to provide dental treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, we also outlined the proper use of personal protective equipment, infection control in dental practice, and a special focus on treatment during and after the COVID-19 pandemics. Dental implications: With proper knowledge and understanding of prevention in a dental setup, the chances of cross infection can be substantially reduced.