The final evening of the EAO Digital Days brought together experts to discuss the profound impact of COVID-19 on dental practice. Hosted by Garrett Heikop, alongside EAO President Henning Schliephake and co-chair Bjorn Klinger, the session explored the challenges and adaptations necessitated by the pandemic.
Opening Remarks Henning Schliephake began by acknowledging the pandemic's significant disruption to dental practices worldwide. He highlighted the EAO's commitment to providing relevant and timely information to help dental professionals navigate these unprecedented times. Notably, the EAO donated €50,000 to the European Commission for vaccine research, underscoring their dedication to global health initiatives.
Understanding COVID-19 Professor Jörg Timm, an expert in infectious diseases, delved into the nature of SARS-CoV-2. He traced its origins to a cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China, in late 2019. The virus's rapid spread led the WHO to declare a global pandemic by March 2020. Timm explained that COVID-19 primarily spreads through respiratory droplets and aerosols, with a reproduction rate of around three. This means one infected person can spread the virus to three others, making containment challenging.
Impact on Dental Practices Dental practices face unique risks due to the close proximity between practitioners and patients, as well as the nature of dental procedures that generate aerosols. Timm emphasized the importance of rigorous hygiene measures, including the use of basic disinfectants and maintaining physical distance. He also highlighted the role of antigen tests in quickly identifying infectious individuals, which could be crucial in dental settings.
Practical Measures and Guidelines Richard Holiday and James Allison from Newcastle University presented their research on dental aerosols. They used fluorescent dye to simulate saliva and examined the spread of aerosols during various dental procedures. Their findings indicated that while aerosols can travel significant distances, proper suction and ventilation significantly reduce contamination. They recommended a 10-minute waiting period post-procedure to allow aerosols to settle before cleaning, which helps minimize the risk of virus transmission.
Hans de Soet from the Netherlands focused on microbial challenges during the pandemic. He underscored the importance of understanding aerosol behavior and implementing effective infection control measures. De Soet recommended several protective measures, including:
Eliminating Hazards: Avoid treating COVID-19 positive patients unless absolutely necessary. Engineering Controls: Use rubber dams to reduce aerosol contamination and ensure proper ventilation. Administrative Controls: Modify workflow to minimize contact between patients and dental staff. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Utilize goggles, face shields, and FFP2 masks, especially during aerosol-generating procedures. Expert Opinions and Research Findings Martin Exner, a leading expert in infection control, discussed the infection risk in dental settings. He noted that dentists are at high risk due to the direct exposure to respiratory droplets and aerosols. Exner recommended using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to improve air quality and reduce the concentration of viral particles. He also emphasized the importance of regular ventilation, even during winter months, to mitigate the risk of transmission.
Katja Gurgelovska-Kumas from Birmingham provided practical guidelines for limiting infection in dental clinics. She highlighted the necessity of triaging patients based on risk levels and using appropriate PPE. Gurgelovska-Kumas stressed the importance of well-fitted FFP2 masks and face shields to protect both dental professionals and patients.
Key Takeaways The session concluded with a synthesis of the critical insights:
Rigorous Hygiene and PPE: Adhering to strict hygiene protocols and using appropriate PPE, especially during aerosol-generating procedures, is vital. Ventilation: Ensuring proper ventilation, whether through natural means or HEPA filters, significantly reduces the risk of airborne transmission. Patient Management: Effective triage and patient management strategies are crucial to minimize the risk of infection in dental settings. Ongoing Research: Continued research and adaptation of guidelines based on emerging evidence are necessary to ensure the safety of dental professionals and patients. The EAO Digital Days provided valuable insights into navigating dental practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. By implementing these measures, dental professionals can better protect themselves and their patients, ensuring the continuation of essential dental care.