Pandemic COVID-19 and Its Implications in Dentistry: Overt Actions to Deal with Covert Threat

Ab s t r Ac t Background: Currently, transmission routes are still to be determined, but common ones include direct transmission (cough, sneeze, and droplet inhalation transmission) and contact transmission (contact with oral, nasal, and eye mucous membranes). Due to the characteristics of dental settings, the risk of cross infections may be high between dental practitioners and patients. Aims and objectives: This review aimed at presenting a recent update on the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (COVID-19) with regards to prevention and control. In the unlikely event of providing dental care to suspected or confirmed cases of the new pandemic, dentists must be cognizant of dire precautions. Materials and methods: A thorough literature search was carried out electronically between 2019 and 2020 present using appropriate keywords. The results were reviewed and prioritized, and the findings were compiled. Out of a total of 94 publications strategically obtained, 23 studies were included in the end for review. Results: Patients are managed according to the severity of the virulence, and all the possible drug trials have been instigated. The menace being new, the limitations of the study do exist. Vaccines are the most effective strategy since they are more cost-effective than the treatment. Conclusion: Identifying a suspected case of COVID-19 is the only way out to mitigate the spread of this novel infection in dental institutions. Clinical significance: Dental health-care providers ought to keep updated in all respects as we are among the healthcare workers bearing the brunt of the situation.