Paediatric dental care during and post-COVID-19 era: changes and challenges ahead

Luo, Weijia; Lee, Gillian HM.; Nalabothu, Prasad; Kumar, Harleen

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets and by physical contact from contaminated surfaces to the mucosa. Its route of transmission has caused a significant challenge in medical and dental healthcare. Infected children have no or milder COVID-19 symptoms and are potential vectors in spreading the disease. Routine dental treatment is suspended in many countries because of the increased risk of cross-infection in dental practices. Only emergency dental care is provided for urgent conditions. It is necessary for us to gradually reinstate regular dental care to paediatric patients and maintain their good oral health. Robust infection control guidelines should be implemented in dental clinics to minimise the risk of infection and to ensure the safety of patients and staff during the pandemic. Three levels of preventive care should be practised to prevent oral diseases and improve children’s oral health in this era. Treatment should be prioritized to patients in urgent needs and aerosol-generating procedures should be minimized. This article aims to review the literature and information available on the provision of paediatric dental treatment during and post-pandemic and to provide specific recommendations on the safe provision of paediatric dental care.