SARS-CoV-2 and oral health: Implications and recommendations for dental practice reformation post pandemic

Abstract

Dental clinics can play a crucial role in spreading the SARS-CoV-2 infections because of the nature of close contact with the patient’s oral cavity and aerosol generating essential dental procedures. Dental practices in regions affected with SARS-CoV-2 are needed to take utmost precautions and follow strict effective infection control protocols even when the movement control/lockdown is gradually lifted post pandemic. Thus, we aim to summarise the current research findings on SARS-CoV-2 in dental settings and relevant international guidelines and recommended management protocols for the dental clinica. The knowledge on the viral properties of SARS-CoV-2 and epidemiologic characteristics are essential to implement proper mitigation strategies against transmission of Covid-19 infections via dental clinics.