The diagnosis and prevention of coronavirus disease in dental clinic – a review article

Abstract

AIM: This review aims to highlight the route of transmission, clinical features, diagnosis, prevention, and protection requirements for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in dental clinics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review is built on specific protocol, two independent reviewers, each focused on articles related to COVID-19 and infection control in dental clinics, while the third independent reviewer resolved any conflicting article of interest. RESULTS: Respiratory droplets are the main routes of transmission of COVID-19. The main symptoms are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test on respiratory tract specimens is the most commonly used technique to detect COVID19. Combined nose and throat swabs and rectal swab are recommended to avoid false results. Personal protective equipment and evaluation are essential for every patient before starting any dental treatment, and following the instructions for infection control to avoid the spread of COVID19. In dental office, suspected patient with COVID-19 or presence of symptoms such as losing sense of smell and taste, in these cases dental treatment, must be postponed for 14 days. Evaluation of patient body temperature, screening, and answering questions related to contact COVID19 are crucial to make the decision to start or delay dental treatment to avoid COVID-19. CONCLUSION: Strict infection control procedures should be recommended. Patients recovered recently from COVID-19 may have treatment deferred for 28 days from onset of symptoms to avoid cross-infection. Anti-restrictive valves dental handpieces should be used to avoid cross-infection of COVID-19.