COVID-19: Health Ministry Issues New Guidelines For Dentists

Transmission routes of 2019-nCoV and controls in dental practice

“During the course of this pandemic, given the high transmissibility of the disease and considering that routine dental procedures usually generate aerosols, alterations to dental treatment should be considered to maintain a healthy environment for the patients and the dental team,” an official release said.

The guidelines stated that only emergency dental cases should be catered. “If dental treatment can be delayed, provide patients with detailed home care instructions and any appropriate pharmaceuticals,” NHSRC document said.

The recommendations briefed that all patients be screened before entering and social distancing be maintained within the practice. Patients should continue to practice basic hygiene routines and should wear a mask when NOT receiving treatment.

“Standard and Transmission-based Precautions and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are recommended and must be in practice”, the release adds.

NHSRC officials also recommended that if a patient with a confirmed diagnosis for COVID-19 within the last 14 days, presented with respiratory symptoms, was treated in the dental office, or if any patient was treated without the appropriate PPE, they would be considered as high-risk scenarios. Dentist and members of the dental team should proceed to 14-day quarantine.

According to recent stats, 32,674 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Pakistan.

To view the full release, click here.