scholarly journals Prevention of Coronavirus infections SARS-CoV-2 in dental practice

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Lidushka Vasilevska ◽  
Elena Kjosevska ◽  
Tanja Lekovska-Stoicovska

The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented global crisis in public health. Professionals in dental institutions, dental associations and regulatory bodies face various challenges in providing dental care and prevention of oral health of the population, as well as protection of patients and practitioners from the health threat of SARS-CoV-2 virus. The aim of this paper is to present the current findings and views regarding the information on the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the need to implement protocols to protect patients and dental practitioners from the health threat posed by the virus, in compliance with medically relevant regulations.Material and methods: References from WHO, FDI and published papers in international scientific journals in this relatively short period were consulted and they presented: updated epidemiological and seroepidemiological information, review of response measures implemented in EU countries / EEA, UK and countries around the world and response options to minimize the risk of recurrence of COVID-19. Results: Viral pneumonia that appeared on February 11, 2020, was named "Coronavirus (COVID 19)" by the WHO, while the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) proposed the name "SARS-CoV-2" for phylogenetic and taxonomic analysis of this corona virus. Dentists/doctors of dental medicine should be familiar with transmission of SARS-CoV-2, how to identify patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and what measures should be taken for protection during the intervention in order to prevent its transmission. There are recommendations for infection control measures that should be followed by the dentists/doctors of dental medicine. The fact that aerosols and drops have been considered for major SARS-CoV-2 propagation routes has been emphasized. If these measures are not undertaken, then the dental office can potentially expose patients to cross-infection. Conclusion: The epidemiological situation around the world is changing dynamically, but patients should not be left without urgent medical help. Oral health team members are required to update their knowledge and skills regarding the prevention, diagnosis and management of communicable diseases that can be transmitted in a clinical setting and to stick to the standard precautions to protect patients from infections as well as protect themselves.

2020 ◽  
Vol 99 (5) ◽  
pp. 481-487 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Meng ◽  
F. Hua ◽  
Z. Bian

The epidemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), originating in Wuhan, China, has become a major public health challenge for not only China but also countries around the world. The World Health Organization announced that the outbreaks of the novel coronavirus have constituted a public health emergency of international concern. As of February 26, 2020, COVID-19 has been recognized in 34 countries, with a total of 80,239 laboratory-confirmed cases and 2,700 deaths. Infection control measures are necessary to prevent the virus from further spreading and to help control the epidemic situation. Due to the characteristics of dental settings, the risk of cross infection can be high between patients and dental practitioners. For dental practices and hospitals in areas that are (potentially) affected with COVID-19, strict and effective infection control protocols are urgently needed. This article, based on our experience and relevant guidelines and research, introduces essential knowledge about COVID-19 and nosocomial infection in dental settings and provides recommended management protocols for dental practitioners and students in (potentially) affected areas.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 710-715
Author(s):  
Neha N ◽  
Anjali A K ◽  
Brundha M P ◽  
Jayalakshmi Somasundaram

The coronavirus causing COVID-19 is officially named as SARS-CoV-2. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which originated in Wuhan, China, has become a major public health concern all over the World. Infection control measures are necessary to stop the virus from spreading further and help to manage the pandemic situation. Many countries have implemented lockdown measures and social distancing to slow down or prevent the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. This implementation is believed to possess a significantly decreased rate of growth and increased doubling time of cases. Due to the spread through respiratory droplets, the incidence of infection will be high between patients and dental practitioners. The dental clinics and hospitals within the containment areas of COVID-19 should follow infection control protocols precisely in order to confer safety to both the patients and the practitioners. This article thus provides important and requisite knowledge about COVID-19 and therefore, the restrictions and strict protocols to be followed for or while undertaking dental treatment during the crucial lockdown period of COVID-19.


Author(s):  
Habib Haybar ◽  
Khalil Kazemnia ◽  
Fakher Rahim

Context: In late December 2019, a new coronavirus, called COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2/2019-nCoV), triggered the outbreak of pneumonia from Wuhan (Han’s seafood market) in China, which is now possessing major public health threats to the world. The objective of this review was to describe the epidemiology of COVID-19 in different chronic diseases and understand the pathophysiological mechanisms by which the virus can lead to the progression of these diseases. Results: The prevalence of COVID-19 infection has become a clinical threat to the general population and healthcare staff around the world. However, knowledge is limited about this new virus. The most commonly reported conditions are diabetes mellitus, chronic lung disease, and cardiovascular disease. Conclusions: Effective antiviral therapy and vaccination are currently being evaluated and under-development. What we can do now is the aggressive implementation of infection control measures to prevent the human-human transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Public health services should also monitor the situation. The more the knowledge about this new virus and its prevalence, the better the ability of us to deal with it. It is hoped that we will overcome COVID-19 soon with the discovery of effective vaccines, drugs, and treatments.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (T1) ◽  
pp. 618-621
Author(s):  
Fareedi Mukram Ali ◽  
Kishor Patil ◽  
Elnur Ibrahim Albashir ◽  
Abdulhamid Aidarous Alamir

Novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a novel form of virus with a new strain identified recently in humans. Common clinical signs and symptoms primarily consist of fever, cough, and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, it can results in pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death. It is important to follow all infection control measures in prevention of the nCoV from spreading and controlling the epidemic situation. The risk of cross infection can be high between dental practitioners and patients due to the features of dental clinical settings. Here, we are summarizing the nCoV related information and infection control measures to be followed in dental practice.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 298-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amerigo Giudice ◽  
Francesco Bennardo ◽  
Alessandro Antonelli ◽  
Selene Barone ◽  
Leonzio Fortunato

Background: The COVID-19, originated in China in December 2019, has spread worldwide pandemically. Infection control measures are especially needed for healthcare professionals who meet potentially infected patients. Objective: The authors aimed to provide general knowledge about COVID-19 disease and indications for the management of emergency dental procedures based on recent literature and experience gained. Methods: A literature search was performed to identify scientific information on COVID-19 and prevention of cross infection appropriate for the practice of dentistry. Results: The authors provided relevant information about SARS-CoV-2 virus, COVID-19 disease, and prevention of cross infections in the dental office. Furthermore, the authors described their experience and highlighted the potential of telemedicine. Conclusion: This article, based on relevant researches, guidelines and Authors’ experience in a COVID-19 Hospital, introduces essential knowledge about COVID-19 and transmission routes and provides recommended management protocols for dental practitioners.


2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 128-130
Author(s):  
R Gupta ◽  
NA Ingle ◽  
N Kaur ◽  
HV Dubey ◽  
E Ingle

ABSTRACT Introduction CDC (Center for Disease Control & prevention), who proposed Universal Precautions, states that “Treat each patient as potentially risk”. Therefore, it is our basic responsibility to control the spread of such devastating diseases by following infection control measures. Aims & Objectives To assess the various personal protective measures adapted by dental practitioners in Agra city and to know how many dentists are vaccinated against Hepatitis B for prevention of the spread of this disease. Materials and Methods The study included response using questionnaire from 150 dental practitioners from Agra city, chosen by random sampling. Questions were related to their personal protective measures employed by the dental practitioners and information about their prophylaxis against Hepatitis B was also obtained. Results Among the dental practitioners, 80% were males. Approximately 82% of the dental practitioners were vaccinated against HBV. Only 6% followed the CDC recommendations for hand washing practices, and about 64% dental practitioners gave wrong answers related to droplet infection. Conclusion Lack of awareness regarding universal precautions proposed by CDC is observed among dental practitioners. There is a great need for creating awareness among dental practitioners.


2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 230949902092349 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colin Shing-Yat Yung ◽  
Kevin Chi Him Fok ◽  
Ching Ngai Leung ◽  
Yat Wa Wong

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has severely affected the medical community and stopped the world in its tracks. This review aims to provide the basic information necessary for us, orthopaedic surgeons to prepare ourselves to face this pandemic together. Herein, we cover the background of COVID-19, presentation, investigations, transmission, infection control and touch upon emerging treatments. It is of paramount importance that we should stay vigilant for our patients, our families and ourselves. Adequate infection control measures are necessary during day-to-day clinical work.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 284-288
Author(s):  
Pravin M Bhat ◽  
Sunil S Kewat

The SARS-CoV-2 infection has become a global health crisis with an uprising trend of infection and death in the world. Considering the contagious nature and the human to human transmission of the disease, it is utmost important to follow the infection control measures in the ophthalmic practice. The pink eye or conjunctivitis is the associated symptom reported along with the respiratory illness and fever in patients of COVID-19. So the triage policy, using noncontact procedures, understanding the risk factors of the disease, postponement of routine ophthalmic patient’s visit, following respiratory hygiene, hand hygiene, using personal protective equipment (PPE) are some of the measures to keep the infection in control are explained in this article. The surface disinfection, equipment disinfection are also important considering the environmental contamination nature of the disease. So in order to minimize the infection every ophthalmologist should work as per the guidelines and measures and work with the local designated infection control authorities.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Parth M. Kapatel ◽  
Nagma ara Malik

The new public health crisis threatening the world with the emergence due to the spreading of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) or it can also say as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The virus instigated in bats and was transmitted to humans through yet unknown transitional animals in Wuhan, Hubei province, China in December 2019. There have been around 3.04 million reported cases by WHO of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-2019) and 895 thousand are recovered, 211 thousand reported deaths to date (28/04/2020) from all over the world. The disease is spread by inhalation/breathing or interaction with infected droplets. The quarantine period ranges from 2 to 14 days. The symptoms are typically breathlessness, cough, sore throat, fever, fatigue, malaise, among others. The disease is mild in most people; while in about some (generally the aged and those with comorbidities), it may progress to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and multi-organ dysfunction. Many people are asymptomatic. Treatment is very essentially supportive; the role of antiviral agents is up till now to be recognized. Prevention requires home quarantine of alleged cases and those with mild illnesses and severe infection control measures at hospitals that contain interaction, touch and droplet precautions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anas F. Mahdee ◽  
Sarhang S. Gul ◽  
Ali A. Abdulkareem ◽  
Syed Saad B. Qasim

Objectives: As health care workers on the front line during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, dental practitioners are amongst those at risk due to their close contact with potentially infected individuals. The aim of the current study was to assess the anxiety, awareness practice modification, and economic impact amongst Iraqi dentists whilst working during the outbreak.Methods: This study was performed using an online survey questionnaire with aid of Google forms from 2nd to 23rd July 2020. A total of 484 clinicians responded. The questionnaire was composed of open end, closed end, and Likert five-point scale questions to assess anxiety, awareness and financial impact of COVID-19 on dentists. Mann–Whitney test was used to compare two groups, whilst Kruskal–Wallis was performed by post-hoc test for multigroup comparisons.Results: The mean age of participants was 36.51 ± 9.164 years and the majority (75.2%) of these were graduate dentists only. More than 80% of participants reported anxiety of catching COVID-19. The recorded anxiety level was higher amongst younger dentists and females. Awareness and practice levels among these dentists of precautions and infection-control measures associated with COVID-19 (94%) was found to be high and to be statistically significantly affected by age, qualification and designation (except GP vs. Specialist). With respect to the economic impact, about 75% of practitioners, regardless of demographical variables, reported that their income had declined by about 50%.Conclusions: The investigation provides clear insights into the anxiety, practice modifications and economic impact on dentists working in Iraq. Although there is a high level of knowledge and awareness of required practice regarding the COVID-19 outbreak among Iraqi dentists, they also reported a high level of anxiety.


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