Prevention & Control of Transmission of COVID-19 in Dental Care settings
Dental care services are limited to emergency visits only during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Therefore, we need to Postpone elective procedures, surgery, and non-urgent dental visits.
We prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in dental care settings by adopting infection control and prevention methods and strategies.
Mode of transmission of COVID 19 in dental settings :
1. Through the oral cavity and respiratory tract.
2. Specific procedures increase the risk of transfer of COVID-19 infection in dental care settings. This includes face-to-face communication with patients, and frequent exposure to saliva, droplet, body fluids, and the handling of sharp instruments.
We can transmit COVID -19 in dental settings through:
1- Inhalation of hazardous airborne particular during an aerosol procedure
2- Direct contact with oral fluids and patients contaminated tools
3- Contact of conjunctival, nasal, oral mucosa with droplets and aerosols
4- Indirect contact with contaminated instruments and/or environmental surfaces
Infection Control measures & strategies for COVID -19 in dental care practice :
These measures are based on a thorough risk assessment. We use the appropriate combinations of these methods to protect the dental team and patients from exposure to the virus.
Infection Measured for Patients Suspected or Confirmed with COVID-1 :
We have 2 strategies :
Implement Standard, Droplet & Contact precautions for those people caring for COVID-19 patients.
Implement Standard, Droplet, Contact & Airborne precautions when Aerosol is generating procedures & treatment are performed.
Standard & Contact Precautions :
1.Practice hand and respiratory hygiene
2. Offer a medical mask to patients
3. Wear disposable gloves & gowns
4. Prevent needlestick and sharps injury
5. Practice patient care equipment & safe waste management
6. Environmental cleaning
7. Sterilization of patient care equipment and linen
Droplet Precautions :
1.Place patients inadequately ventilated single rooms
2.Wear a medical mask, gloves, gown, and eye/facial protection
3. Use single-use equipment
4.limiting the number of healthcare workers, family members, and visitors.
5. Placing patients in negative pressure rooms if available
Airborne Precautions :
1. Perform Dental treatment in Negative pressure room /Airborne infection isolation rooms ( AIIRs)
2.Long-sleeved gown, Face shield or goggles, Disposable gloves
3. N95 respirator. Wear a fit-tested NIOSH-approved N-95
4.Limit the movement and transport of the patient