Standard dental operating protocol in COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Coronavirus belong to a large family of virus called Coronaviridae predominantly affects respiratory system. Virus that cause COVID-19, spreads mainly by droplet infection from oral or nasal secretions. Clinical presentation starts with fever, headache, cough, malaise and gastro- intestinal symptoms. Loss of taste and smell have been reported. Most of the patients recover with milder symptoms, few reported organ dysfunction and death. Dentistry is facing its toughest time with the spread of COVID-19 and the dental practice has been affected significantly in this pandemic. Most dental procedure require close contact with patient’s oral cavity and treatment interventions generate aerosol, chance of cross infection is more in a clinical set up. Dentists and the patients have to follow strict measures to prevent the spread of pandemic. All patients visiting a dental office must be treated with due precautions.