The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that routine dental visits be postponed until COVID-19 is under control to protect dentists and their patients.
Oral health checks, dental hygiene and other preventive care should be delayed until transmission rates drop in communities as dentists work in close proximity to patients for extended periods, ‘WHO said in guidance released Tuesday.
“Their procedures include face-to-face communication and frequent exposure to saliva, blood, and other body fluids and the handling of sharp instruments,” the guide said. “Hence, they are at high risk of being infected with SARS-CoV-2 or passing the infection on to patients.”
Exceptions should be made for urgent care and emergencies, WHO said.
The World Health Organization noted the risks of spray generation equipment in dental installations that can produce aerosols, including ultrasonic scaling, polishing and other devices.
Aerosols can lead to “rapid contamination of surfaces and potential for spreading the infection,” WHO said.
The guidance also recommended that all persons wear medical masks continuously, or use face masks when masks are in short supply, in addition to increasing ventilation in offices and regularly disinfecting surfaces.
.
