The Covid-19 pandemic has been no less than a nightmare for all of us. The novel coronavirus, currently designated as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2, is responsible for unsettling our steady lives. As on 12 August 2020, 20,162,474 confirmed cases of Covid-19 exist globally, including 7,37,417 deaths, as reported to the WHO. Despite all efforts to contain the infection, the outbreak is still peaking due to its community spread pattern.
Among other professionals who are at a high risk of acquiring the virus, dentists stand at the top. The mouth is the mirror to systemic diseases and the dentist community is accustomed to being in direct contact with patients’ oral cavities in close proximity. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, dental healthcare personnel are placed in the “very high risk” category. It has, thus, become onerous for us dentists to continue with routine conventional operatories.
The mode of transmission for Covid-19 has been confirmed to be through droplets, contact, fomites, and more recently, through aerosols. Since most dental procedures involve the use of high-speed rotary and ultrasonic armamentarium which causes the patient’s secretions, saliva or blood to aerosolize into the surrounding, it has become perilous for the practising dentist lately. This worry has kept them from their operatory.
According to a poll conducted by the American Dental Association (ADA) on dental practice status in the United States of America, 76% of dental clinics are closed for routine practice currently, except for seeing emergency patients, 19% of clinics are reportedly closed for all treatments, while 5% are keeping the clinics open, although the patient volume is significantly lower than usual.
Dentistry has always been about changing trends, be it from conventional removable dentures to cosmetic smile designs, or from directcontact patient treatment to virtual counselling. Teledentistry has seen a great rise with dentists now adopting virtual interaction techniques with their patients. Although only emergency treatments are being rendered, considering that each patient is a potential Covid-19 carrier, conventional disinfection protocols regularly followed in dental set-ups may not be quite effective in combating the virus. Specialised disinfection procedures must be followed. Various newer armamentarium and protocols, including automatic sanitizer dispenser, non-contact infrared thermal devices, triple protection gowns and face shields, N-95 masks, HEPA filters, plasma air sterilisers, arbat safety box for trauma care, personal protective equipment, hazmat suits and fogger machines have now become obligatory.
A popular phrase goes: every closed door isn’t locked and even if it is, you just might have the key. Similarly, even though the Covid-19 pandemic has brought the dentist’s routine practice to a standstill, it has also opened up new avenues of sharing knowledge with professionals worldwide. Innumerable dentists and dental students are coming together on various social media platforms to expand their scope, grasping the opportunity to get the best out of it.
It may not be the right time to jump back to work but what keeps a person going always is the will to unlock a world of new possibilities. By following the norms at our operatories, we are doing our bit to save the world health and economy from further devastation at the hands of Covid-19. Waiting insistently in front of a tightly closed door can be unfair to all of the doors open.
Dr Anahita A. Bhatt is a Bachelor in Dental Surgery and is currently interning in Visnagar, Gujarat.