ABSTRACT
Coronavirus disease, since its first case reported in China in 2019, has increased at an exponential rate globally, still growing strong and challenging the Healthcare System Globally. It primarily causes Pneumonia by infiltrating the respiratory tract. However, recent studies detecting SARS-COV RNA in saliva;and affinity of the virus to ACE2 receptors which are abundantly found in epithelial lining of oral mucosa suggest that the oral cavity might probably be the first contact area for the Coronavirus. The aim of this review is to compile and present evidence-based overview of oral manifestations of COVID-19, with a view to presenting a means of early disease detection. The literature shows that the most frequently affected sites in the oral cavity are tongue, lips and palate with varied manifestations like nonspecific oral Ulcerations/blisters, Dysgeusia, Xerostomia due to reduced salivary flow, oral candidiasis and Gingivitis. The occurrence of oral lesions in COVID patients could be multifactorial;due to direct or indirect action of SARS-COV- 2 on oral mucosa, secondary to the therapeutic drugs used in COVID-19 treatment;lowered general health status following prolonged hospitalisation and co-infections. COVID-19 associated oral manifestations may be underreported due to lack of knowledge among Physicians and Dentists. They should be sensitized to perform a thorough oral examination in COVID affected patients to provide an early diagnosis of the disease and take up measures to limit the progression and spread of disease.
ABSTRACT
Restructuring of surgical services during the 'first wave' of the coronavirus-disease 2019 pandemic led to significant disruption in surgical learning opportunities provided to junior surgeons. Recent challenges faced by trainees have never been faced before. These include disruption to surgical opportunities available, completing assessments and attending educational events. With a 'second wave' now upon the United Kingdom it is vitally important we reflect upon the 'first wave' to ensure junior surgeons are able to achieve appropriate surgical case numbers, complete assessments and progress to the next stage of training. Alternate assessment methods in the United Kingdom need to be considered should the pandemic continue and clear information should be provided to surgical trainees regarding career progression. These are difficult times for surgical training and we need to endeavor that trainees are provided with opportunities similar to their predecessors albeit in difficult circumstances. This is to ensure the future standard of surgical patient care remains of the highest standard.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic is not the first one which the globe has faced but never came across a health crisis that moved so quickly across continents. COVID-19 outbreak presently posed a very serious threat to the existence of mankind on earth. The massive impact of COVID-19 pandemic was evident in all aspects of life-personal, social as well as professional. The field of dentistry including orthodontics was no exception to this. Aim: To describe the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on orthodontic practice, exploring the basic sterilisation protocols being followed during COVID-19 pandemic and to predict the future of orthodontics in post-COVID era. Materials and Methods: The Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Faculty of Dental Sciences, SGT University, Gurugram, Haryana, India, conducted this questionnaire based cross-sectional survey in May 2020 over a time span of 20 days. A web-based questionnaire of 15 multiple choice questions in English was created as a Google Form in Google Documents. The link to this form was shared online with the orthodontists and postgraduate students (Orthodontics) of dental colleges situated in the National Capital Region (NCR) through WhatsApp groups and e-mails. A total of 254 responses were received. Results: A 97.6% of respondents agreed that COVID-19 affected their orthodontic practice. The odds ratio between those not likely to resume practice and those likely to resume practice taking educational qualification as the significant predictor was calculated to be 8.976 at 95% confidence intervals. There was wide variation in the selection of the safety protocols by the orthodontists in the present study (p<0.01). Increased digitalisation in orthodontics (45.7%) followed by less demand of orthodontic treatment (18.5%) were opted as the future in post-COVID era (p<0.01). Conclusion:Thepresentsurveyfoundthatorthodonticcommunity as a whole was affected greatly by COVID-19 pandemic and is quite apprehensive. The future of orthodontics in the post-COVID era is unpredictable presently. Digitalisation in orthodontics is the key option to have minimum physical contact with the patients. The study suggested the need and importance of basic sterilisation protocols and a training program for dental settings during COVID-19 for patient's as well as clinician's safety.