An overview on the Infection Control Protocols for Dental clinics in the Pandemic Era
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Keywords

Covid-19
Infection Control
Aerosols
PPE

Abstract

According to the surveys carried out Dental hygienists, Dental assistants and Dentists are at the highest risk of developing Covid 19. This is attributed to the fact that Dentistry is a branch pertaining to directly dealing with the mouth which is one of the highest reservoirs of microorganisms. Almost all the clinical procedures carried out in Dentistry are aerosols generating which puts both the dental personnel and the patients being treated at risk. The dental aerosols due to its small size and composition have the ability to linger in the air for a prolonged time which elevates the health risk.

This article will provide an overview of prevalent guidelines and current practices, recommend correct use of PPE in the dental setting, and discuss various technologies which aid in air management thereby ensuring the safety of the entire dental team and patients during the covid-19 outbreak.

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