Prosthodontic practice during the COVID-19 pandemic: prevention and implications

Abstract

The objective of this review is to identify preventive measures for COVID-19 to safeguard dental professionals providing prosthodontic dental care. Electronic searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases using the following descriptors and/or words: “COVID-19,” “SARS-CoV-2,” “Dental practice,” “Prosthodontics,” and “Dental infection control.” Prosthodontists are at high risk for exposure to the novel coronavirus through aerosols and possibly contaminated surfaces and indirect contact with dental laboratories and dental technicians through impressions, dental stone casts, and fixed and removable prosthetic appliances. Therefore, preventive measures should be implemented, including performing emergency treatments only, rescheduling patients with suspected disease, disinfecting surfaces and prosthodontic materials with biocidal substances, and using protective equipment such as N95 masks, disposable gowns, and face-shields.