Dentistry biosecurity during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: what should we know?

Abstract

The new coronavirus infection, also known as SARS-CoV-2, affects especially the respiratory tract and it has been a challenge to face it in a lot of countries, since the disease has no specific treatment and leads to a multidisciplinary care for those infected. Health professionals are classified at high risk, as they are in close contact to these patients. Among those professionals, dental surgeons represent the professionals at most risk, due to their work area being in close contact with the respiratory tract and the production of aerosol generated by the office equipment, which dissipates microscopic virulent particles through the air. In this review, instructions issued by health institutions were collected in order to inform health professionals, especially the dental surgeon, about the correct dressing and hygiene that must be performed in the dental office. Finally, it was concluded that professionals are well supported and receive the necessary guidance to continue working during the pandemic. In addition, following biosafety protocols and regulatory guidelines has shown positive results against the spread of the new coronavirus, protecting professional and patients.