Consequences of the pandemic on dental practices: a literature review

Abstract

ABSTRACT SARS-CoV-2 is caused by an RNA virus responsible for the disease known as COVID-19. First diagnosed in 2019, in a human being in the city of Wuhan, China, this disease is classified as a severe respiratory disease. Propagation occurs through coughing, sneezing, inhalation of droplets, or even indirect contact with the nasal, oral, and ocular mucous membranes. Preventive measures involving social distancing, quarantine, and mask use were implemented to prevent its spread. Such measures challenge dental practices, since they depend on proximity and do not allow the use of personal protective equipment, which cover the patient’s oral cavity. This integrative literature review sought to identify articles discussing preventive measures of adequate use in current dental practices, reducing the risk of COVID-19 contamination and spread. Results showed the importance of dentists acting on the disease transmission routes, following care protocols, implementing new dental clinic management practices, such as avoiding crowds, longer time between appointments, use of teledentistry, and adopting preventive measures inside the dental office like hand washing, use of N95 mask, face shield, and air filters. However, oral health professionals must be prepared to face any imminent challenge imposed by infectious diseases in dental practice, following protocol before, during, and after dental care.