Abstract

Dr. Kritika Choubey*, Dr. Ankur Jain, Dr. Rinky Sisodia, Dr. Satish Maran, Dr. Anaya Kulkarni and Dr. Sapna Mishra

ABSTRACT

We are facing a global health crisis unlike any which the world has seen in many decades. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which has been characterized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization, is attacking societies at their core. In the human body, this coronavirus is abundantly present in nasopharyngeal and salivary secretions of affected patients, and its spread is predominantly thought to be respiratory droplet/ contact in nature therefore dentists, auxiliaries as well as patients undergoing dental procedures are at high risk of cross-infection. Most dental procedures require close contact with the patient’s oral cavity, saliva, blood, and respiratory tract secretions. Also while treating paediatric patients dental professionals indulge in close, face-to-face, communication with patients and parents, which could possibly introduce them to droplets generated from an unprotected cough or sneeze. Saliva is rich in COVID 19 viral load. Dental professionals, may encounter patients with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and should act diligently not only to provide care but at the same time prevent nosocomial spread of infection. Thus, the aim of this article is to provide specific modifications in dental home for practice regarding patient screening, infection control strategies, and patient management protocol and also providing guidance to all paediatric dentist while attending patients <16 years of age.