The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has challenged health professions, especially dentists and has induced different reactions and response around the world. Dentist role is very familiar with occupational health issues in dentistry, such as hepatitis B, C and others. Many other professions do not have to consider such issues. But now, dental professionals are the one of to be at high risk of COVID-19 infection due to the close face-to-face contact.
Some dental practices may resume regular appointments in the coming weeks. Considering reopening, dentists have to follow professional rules and carefully utilize the appropriate PPE to minimize risk of virus transmission.
Believe it or not, there are patients getting upset with us because we can’t give them treatment, but we just can’t take the chance. And there’s no reason why a patient can’t wait a couple of months to have their teeth treated.
Proceeding with the treatment, then what if patients had close contact with covid patient, and supposes that patients are infectious but asymptomatic. Since patients hide their travel history too, risk factor remains.
We are planning to make sure we stagger appointments and give ample time to sanitize the area between patient appointments. But to reduce the risk of high-dose exposure through protective measures like wearing masks & sanitization, what if they’re nowhere 100% effective?
While six feet of distance is recommended, what about the risk measures for dental staff? They’re probably different in terms of both in chance of getting sick through patients and chance of getting horribly sick if you do get sick. It is a potential threat to both dentist and patient. What if unfortunately, we get infected and our families through us? Will the government give priority treatment to our families?
Dental procedure expenses, which are already considered by most to as expensive, so what if treatment cost is increased as dentists and his/her assistant will have to use new PPEs for every patient and every appointment? Is the OPD going to remain same or it will drop?
Surely, there are and there will be worries both for the patients and the dentists as per in financial wise or taking health risks. The extent to which symptom less cases are driving transmission is an open question. Right now, we’re just guessing how we will succeed in this? Questions still exist…..When and How?
