Why is dentistry a risk branch?
The COVID-19 virus was recently identified in the saliva of infected patients. Saliva can have a pivotal role in the human to human transmission. Dentists and other healthcare professionals that perform aerosol-generating procedures may be unknowingly providing direct care for infected but not yet diagnosed COVID-19 patients.
Inhalation of airborne particles and aerosols produced during dental procedures on patients with COVID-19 can be high-risk procedure in which dentists are directly and closely exposed to this virus.
Therefore dentists must refine preventive strategies to avoid COVID- 19 infection by focusing on patient placement, hand hygiene, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
The risk of cross Infection may be higher between dental professionals and patients, due to the characteristics of dental treatments.
Effective Infection control protocols are urgently needed for dental practices and hospitals all over the world.
The standard protective measures in daily clinical work are not sufficient enough to prevent the spread of COVID-19, due to the unique characteristics of dentistry, Especially When patients are in the incubation period, Are unaware they are infected or Choose to Conceal Their infection.
Consequently, I would like to recommend everyone to stay home, healthy and well during this unknown situation!!