In this special edition of the EAO’s Just Ask series, dental experts from around the globe shared their experiences and insights on navigating dental practices during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The session featured three distinguished professionals: Professor Niko’s Mateos from Hong Kong, Professor Man Yi from Chengdu, China, and Dr. Michael Payer from Austria. Together, they discussed the evolving landscape of implant dentistry, particularly focusing on the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic.
The panel began by reflecting on the early stages of the pandemic, with Niko’s Mateos explaining Hong Kong’s response to COVID-19. Hong Kong’s success in controlling the virus was attributed to early measures, including quarantine protocols, social distancing, and proactive contact tracing, which helped reduce the spread. Despite the challenges, dental practices in Hong Kong remained operational with strict safety measures in place. These included screening patients, limiting aerosol-generating procedures, and using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Professor Yi shared insights from his experience in Chengdu, China, where the city was among the first to face the pandemic’s outbreak. After a month of emergency-only care, the dental department gradually resumed services with enhanced safety protocols. Yi emphasized the importance of online consultations and triage systems to minimize the risk of exposure while maintaining care for essential cases.
A key theme throughout the discussion was the importance of learning from other regions’ experiences, especially as Europe and other parts of the world began facing the pandemic’s challenges later. Dr. Payer, who had initiated the session, highlighted the need for careful implementation of safety protocols in European dental practices, noting that practices should adapt based on local conditions and emerging research.
The session concluded with a focus on the future of dental education and practice. Experts agreed that online learning would continue to play a vital role as dental institutions slowly adapt to new norms, balancing face-to-face interactions with virtual learning.
For those looking to stay informed, the recording of this session is available, providing valuable lessons and insights for dental professionals worldwide.