Preventing the suspension of dental clinics by minimizing the risk of SARS­CoV­2 transmission during dental treatment.

ABSTRACT

Due to a high risk of the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS­CoV­2) during dental work, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID­19) pandemic has had a considerable influence on the functioning of dental clinics. The elevated risk of transmission is related to the production of aerosol containing secretions from the upper respiratory tract that is produced during dental procedures.The purpose of this narrative review was to present the current knowledge concerning COVID­19 and to propose methods for reducing the spread of the virus. Dental staff should follow the current guidelines and ensure safety at work through the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including FFP2/FFP3 filter masks, the implementation of the screening protocols and telephone consultations as well as the appropriate preparation of dental practices and patient waiting areas. In addition, it is essential to reduce the number of people simultaneously occupying one building by effectively planning visiting times or discouraging patients from accompanied visits. Procedures that may contribute to production of the aerosol should also be limited.