Covid-19 and Dentistry: Oral Health Impacts, Management and Future Preparedness

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) refers to a type of contagious respiratory disease caused through the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The virus is transmitted from an infected person to a healthy person through droplets released while sneezing, coughing and speaking. The practice of dentistry has been seriously impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, majorly due to the generation of large amounts of droplets and aerosols combined with the patient's blood or saliva during dental procedures. Dental professionals are at a high risk since SARS-CoV-2 has been found in the saliva of infected people. There is a high risk of cross infection between patients and dental health care personnel (DHCP) because of the characteristics of dental environments. Thus, it is likely to trigger changes in the delivery of dental care in the future, such as changes in layout and workflow of dental clinics. This book provides comprehensive insights on the impact of Covid-19 on dentistry. It is appropriate for students seeking detailed information on oral health impacts, management and future preparedness regarding this virus in the field of dentistry. Those in search of information to further their knowledge will be greatly assisted by this book.