Cross- Infection Control in Dental Practice and Oral Self-Care during Corona Virus (COVID-19) Pandemic

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected all spheres of life, dental practice inclusive. It is therefore important to have a definite protocol to prevent cross infection or formulate a contingency plan with recommendations to minimize the spread in the dental healthcare. Many dental associations and the World Health Organisation have proposed useful guidelines for dental practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of these guidelines are helpful in our environment while some are outrightly not practicable. This paper attempts to provide modifications of the existing guidelines which would be practicable in our environment. Apart from the standard infection control measures, strategies to control cross- infection in the dental practice during the COVID-19 pandemic will include optimising oral self-care, preparation of dental parents before and during dental visits, the use of preprocedural antimicrobial mouth rinses and modification of dental procedures. It is strongly advised that all dental practitioners should be abreast with the latest news and guidelines and protocol specified by the regulatory bodies and the recommended protocol in dental practice should be insisted on because many cases may still exist in the communities for months