Knowledge, Challenges, and Adaptation Strategies for the New Normal Era after the COVID-19 Pandemic in Dentistry

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2, the cause of the Covid-19 pandemic, is an international emergency problem that received special attention from WHO. Disease transmission can occur both directly and through contact with symptomatic or asymptomatic patients. Dentists have a high risk of contracting this virus during dental care through many kinds of virus transmission routes, so prevention is very important to fight Covid-19. Dentists can be potential carriers and transmit the infection to other patients, work teams, and their families, so it is necessary to use personal protective equipment strictly and minimize aerosol-generating treatments so that cross-infection can be prevented. Several associations issued protocols and guidelines in dental care since the start of the pandemic to reduce the risk of transmission during dental treatment, with the key elements of using personal protective equipment (PPE), physical barriers, and good sterilization principles.  Ideally, a dental office is recommended to have good ventilation, air purifiers, and negative pressure. Adaptation to new habits in the new normal era is necessary to reduce the spread of Covid-19.