COVID-19 pandemic: Dental considerations and review of literature Patil Deepa Jatti1,*, Kaur Aninditya2, Rakesh N.3 1Reader, Dept of Oral Medicine and Radiology, K.M. Shah Dental College and Hospital, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Vadodara 2Consultant Radiologist, DMD Imaging Gurgaon, Delhi 3Assoc. Dean (Research) and Reader, Dept. of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Faculty of Dental Sciences, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences. Bangalore *Corresponding Author E-mail: iafdeepa@gmail.com
Online published on 9 April, 2021. Abstract The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) presents an unprecedented challenge to the healthcare professionals and Mankind. The World Health Organization has declared COVID 19 as a Pandemic due to its widespread dissemination worldwide. As per the latest statistics, more than 8.12 million cases have been reported with 4, 39 421 deaths in more than 200 countries. The total population affected in India is Approximately 3, 43, 091. The states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Gujarat, account for majority of the positive cases reported in India. Due to high rate of human to human transmission, protocols to prevent the virus dissemination is the need of the hour. There is a high risk of cross infection between patients and dental practitioners due to the COVID-19 transmission via contact with droplets and aerosols generated during dental clinical procedures. Dental clinics in high risk areas should adhere to strict and effective infection control protocols. This article, provides potential information about COVID-19, its transmission during oral procedures and highlights on the suggested treatment policies for oral health practitioners. It also provides a brief outline of the currently available treatment strategies for COVID 19. Top Keywords COVID 19, Oral Health Practitioners, Dental Infection Control, Personal Protective Equipmen. Top |