Oral healthcare in the face of new and emerging infectious diseases

Abstract

Dentists and other oral health professionals may be at higher-than-average

risk for COVID-19 due to procedures during treatment that generate

aerosols, through which the virus could be transmitted via saliva and blood,

should the patient be infected. The American Dental Association has

published recommendations and guidance, but additional research and new

protocols are needed. New research should focus on tele-dentistry, which has

emerged as an alternative to in-person care, in order to limit the spread of

infection. Resources need to be allocated for research and development to

improve access to care though this medium.