Biosecurity measures in dental care during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objective: Identify biosecurity measures proposed for the care of dental patients. Methodology: A bibliographic
analysis was performed using the PubMed search engine and the SciELO scientific libraries. The search terms
were: “Dentistry”[Mesh], “Coronavirus”[Mesh], “Dental Health Services”[Mesh], “Dental Care”[Mesh]. The inclusion
criteria were: free complete studies, 1 year old, in Spanish or English. Incomplete or paid texts were excluded.
Results: A total 41 articles were found of which 26 were selected. They describe protocols and biosecurity measures
adopted for the management and selection of patients in dental practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. The
results show that indications establish to perform only urgent and emergency care. Likewise, it is stipulated to
prioritize telecommunication with patients. The main recommendations are: Minimize the number of patients
and control their temperature, use of personal protection elements, use hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) 0.5%-2.0% or
povidone 0.2% as mouthwash, reduce the dissipation of aerosols by using manual instruments, rubber dam and
high volume aspiration, minimizing the use of rotary instruments and aerosol generating instruments, prefer
the use of extraoral imaging. Finally, maintain a well ventilated work area in between every patient, disinfection
of surfaces with ethanol, H2O2, sodium hypochlorite (NACLO) and quaternary ammonium solutions and cover 

surfaces with disposable elements. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a change and reinforcement
of biosecurity measures already existent in dentistry, adding new protocols for patient’s care and prioritization,
PPE utilization and application of telecommunication in the management and patient’s care. Saving PPE
resources for critical areas and protecting the community’s overall health.