Orthodontics and the COVID-19 crisis – A review Sunil Kumar M.*1, Naik Sindhu2, Saba Iram2 1 Associate Professor, Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Faculty of Dental Sciences, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru- 560054 2Postgraduate, Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Faculty of Dental Sciences, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru- 560054 *Corresponding Author E-mail: drlinus1978@gmail.com
Online published on 9 April, 2021. Abstract The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic started in Wuhan, China with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in December, 2019. The infected people travelling from China to other countries transmitted this virus. This increased the mortality rate day by day. The transmission routes of this virus include respiratory secretions, droplet infection and direct contact with COVID-19 patients. The articles published until date regarding COVID-19 were reviewed, of which most of them were on the symptoms and progression of disease, the laboratory investigations that are followed in confirming the COVID 19 infection and the measures of safety to be followed. The COVID-19is mainly transmitted from patient to Orthodontist and Orthodontist to patient through aerosol and splatter produced by the dental procedure and saliva of an infected person. To avoid transmission of virus screening tests should be done at dental setups. The use of gloves, face shields, masks, gowns and antiseptic handwash are mandatory for the practioners. The different types of Respirator standard (masks) are studied. As an Orthodontist the emergencies should be planned properly and can use virtual assistance, WhastsApp messenger by sending photos, video call to manage the emergencies accordingly. Aerosol generating Procedures (AGPs) should be avoided by use of alternative orthodontic setting. A thorough review and analysis thus gives an impression that as health care providers, we orthodontists, should take part in this fight against dreadful virus attack, in whatever way we can and become helpful to the government authorities. Top Keywords COVID-19, Aerosol Generating Procedures (AGPs). Top |