Preventive Measures for COVID-19 in Dental Treatments
Abstract Objective COVID-19 has spread to most countries around the world, infecting millions of people and resulting in the pandemic. This presents great challenges for dental professionals. It is necessary to explore preventive measures for COVID-19 in dental treatments. Methods In this paper, we outline several measures designed to prevent COVID-19 in dental treatments, such as three-level pre-examination triage and two-body temperature tests, three-level protection for medical personnel, gargle before oral treatment, implement the four-hand operation, suctioning saliva during oral treatment, use a rubber dam, strict enforcement of hand hygiene. These measures include recommendations for medical staff and give practical advice for managing treatment. Results The epidemic has been brought under control and routine oral examination and treatments have gradually been resumed from March 9, 2020, in Hunan province, China. From January 24, 2020, to March 8, 2020, a total of 4,272 patients received oral therapy during the COVID-19 epidemic in our hospital. We followed these guidelines during the COVID-19 epidemic and none of the clinical dental staff, other workers, or patients were infected with COVID-19. Conclusions These preventive measures for COVID-19 in dental treatments can be used as a reference for oral clinics and stomatological hospitals.