The new normal of paediatric dental practice post COVID-19: A review

Abstract

Background: Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is one of the worst pandemics known to mankind. It affects all the age groups but children present with milder symptoms and may also be asymptomatic. In the current scenario paediatric dentists pose high risk of the disease due to close contact with not just children but also with their parents. Additionally, majority of paediatric dental procedures advocate the use of handpiece which generates immense aerosol increasing the transmission risk by manifold. Objective: This review aims to highlight the transmission of COVID-19 in dental setting, its impact on paediatric dental setting and dental education and the new normal of paediatric dental practice. Modification in Dental Practice: With health authorities predicting that the novel coronavirus may become an endemic in the community, it necessitates modification in dental practice to adapt to the new normal. It requires modification in behaviour management techniques, tele-triaging of patients, stringent infection control, minimising AGPs and replacing them with minimally invasive techniques along with use of adequate isolation. The ongoing pandemic has also severely impacted the dental education therefore advocating modifications in the same with the advent of online teaching and webinars. Conclusion: Paediatric dentists are at high risk of acquiring the infection, hence it is the need of the hour to adapt to the new normal of practice at the earliest. We are an important part of the community; hence it is our foremost duty to contain the spread of this virus and not act as an aid in its transmission.