The current health situation represents a major threat to the entire population, and a critical threat to health care workers, especially those coming into close contact with patients, such as dentists and oral hygienists.
> What we know about SARS-CoV-2
SARS-CoV-2 is easily passed from person to person via airborne transmission, but can also linger on surfaces for hours or even days. This makes it a significant challenge to anyone working in the dental sector and consequently the WHO keeps issuing general guidelines based on evidence gathered by experts worldwide.
> Why you should read this leaflet carefully created by Medical Equipment BU
As dental professionals are subject to significant risks according to the WHO, this leaflet identifies certain solutions which can be implemented in dental surgeries, considering the inevitable proximity that exists between patient and health care worker during treatment and in view of the large number of aerosol-generating procedures performed.
This leaflet will illustrate the importance of regular intervention, the role played by hygiene systems and devices built into dental units, as well as stand-alone sterilisation equipment and products used to protect or disinfect surfaces exposed to contamination risks.
Further recommendations, including triage and correct use of the surgery environment are part of the recommended Infection Prevention & Control strategy elaborated by the WHO.
Now declared a pandemic by the WHO, fighting SARS-CoV-2 requires a clear strategy. This starts with awareness of the risks and of how the pandemic will affect the dental profession today and in the future.
