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Review
. 2021 Apr;27 Suppl 3(Suppl 3):674-683.
doi: 10.1111/odi.13408. Epub 2020 May 25.

Infection control in dental health care during and after the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak

Catherine M C Volgenant  1 , Ilona F Persoon  1 , Rolf A G de Ruijter  2 , J J Hans de Soet  1
Affiliations
Review

Infection control in dental health care during and after the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak

Catherine M C Volgenant et al. Oral Dis. 2021 Apr.

Abstract

COVID-19 is an emerging infectious disease caused by the widespread transmission of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Some of those infected become seriously ill. Others do not show any symptoms, but can still contribute to transmission of the virus. SARS-CoV-2 is excreted in the oral cavity and can be spread via aerosols. Aerosol generating procedures in dental health care can increase the risk of transmission of the virus. Due to the risk of infection of both dental healthcare workers and patients, additional infection control measures for all patients are strongly recommended when providing dental health care. Consideration should be given to which infection control measures are necessary when providing care in both the current situation and in the future.

Keywords: Public Health Dentistry; SARS-CoV-2; dentistry; infection control; infectious disease transmission.

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Conflict of interest statement

None to declare.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 can occur via direct contact, indirect contact and via air (droplets/aerosols). This can take place from patients to the DHCWs and vice versa, and reciprocal between patients or DHCWs. This applies to symptomatic, presymptomatic and asymptomatic individuals
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Controlling exposure to occupational risks is aimed when protecting DHCWs. The hierarchy shown here is used to determine on which level feasible and effective solutions can be implemented in the dental clinic (adapted from National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH, 2015) of the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), United States)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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