Coronavirus covid-19 outbreak & dentistry;routes of transmission & infection-control challenges and responsibilities

Tammam, R.; Ibrahim, A. M.

The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, originating in Wuhan, China, is becoming a major public health problem for not only China, but countries all over the world as well. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that outbreaks of the novel coronavirus have become a globally worried public health emergency. As of February 4, 2021, COVID-19 has been recognized in 235 countries, with more than 105.000.000 (one hundred and five millions) laboratory-confirmed cases and above 2.280.000 (million) deaths. To prevent the virus from further spreading and to help manage the disease situation, infection control measures are necessary. The risk of cross contamination can be high between patients and dental practitioners because of the characteristics of dental settings. Strict and efficient infection management protocols are urgently needed for dental practices and hospitals in areas which are (potentially) affected by COVID-19. This article, based on our experience and relevant guidelines and research, introduces essential knowledge about COVID-19 and nosocomial infection in dental settings and provides recommended management protocols for dental practitioners and students in (potentially) affected areas.