What Are the Best Practices for Infection Control in UK Dental Clinics Post-COVID-19?

In the aftermath of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, commonly known as COVID-19, dental clinics in the UK, as in the rest of the world, have had to adapt and implement new protocols to ensure the safety of patients and medical personnel alike. This article will guide you through the best practices for infection control in these settings. We will draw on credible resources such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and PMC to present the most recent and relevant studies and articles on this topic. Let’s embark on this journey to better understand dental health care in a post-COVID-19 world.

Understanding the High-Risk Environment of Dental Clinics

Dental care settings are inherently high-risk environments for infection transmission due to the nature of dental procedures. A study published on PubMed underlines the risk associated with high-speed dental handpieces, ultrasonic devices, and air-water syringes that create aerosols and droplets, potentially laden with microorganisms. These aerosols can stay suspended in the air for an extended time, posing a risk to dental health care providers and patients.

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Moreover, dental professionals work in close proximity to patients’ oral cavities, where the presence of SARS-CoV-2 has been confirmed. A Google Scholar article highlights that this virus can be present in saliva even before symptoms appear, making asymptomatic patients potential transmitters of the virus.

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In the light of these challenges, dental clinics have had to rethink their infection control measures to reduce the risk of transmission between patients and staff.

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Establishing a Robust Infection Control Protocol

The central pillar of infection control in dental clinics is a robust and comprehensive protocol that adheres to the latest guidelines from health authorities. Firstly, patient triage should be employed to screen patients for COVID-19 symptoms or exposure before their appointments. As per a PMC study, telephonic consultation is a great tool for this purpose, helping to identify high-risk patients who should delay their dental treatments until they are no longer infectious.

Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is another critical aspect to ensure the safety of dental professionals. A PubMed article indicates that along with regular gloves and masks, wearing face shields, goggles, and protective outerwear should be mandatory in dental settings. In addition, performing hand hygiene frequently and correctly using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water is crucial.

Emphasis on Cleaning and Disinfection

Uninterrupted cleaning and disinfection routines are paramount in keeping dental clinics safe. The SARS-CoV-2 virus can survive on various surfaces for different periods, making regular cleaning essential. Dental equipment should be disinfected as per manufacturers’ instructions, and a PubMed study suggests using disinfectants proven effective against the virus, such as ethanol, hydrogen peroxide, or sodium hypochlorite.

Furthermore, the clinic should be cleaned frequently, especially high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, counters, and chairs. A Google Scholar article advises aerosol-generating procedures be performed in isolated rooms, and the room should be disinfected thoroughly after each patient.

Prioritising Ventilation and Air Filtration

The role of proper ventilation and air filtration cannot be overstated in dental settings. These measures help in reducing the concentration of airborne contaminants, including the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Dental clinics should ensure that their ventilation systems are functioning well and increase the frequency of air exchanges. Furthermore, air purifiers with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can be used in treatment rooms to filter out the aerosols and improve air quality.

Encouraging COVID-19 Vaccination

Last but not least, encouraging COVID-19 vaccination for both staff and patients is instrumental in curbing the spread of the virus. Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death due to the virus. Dental clinics can play a pivotal role in promoting vaccination by providing authentic information about the vaccines and addressing any concerns or misinformation that patients may have.

In the post-COVID-19 world, dental clinics have to be more vigilant than ever to ensure the safety and health of their patients and staff. Implementing robust infection control measures, keeping abreast of the latest research, and being proactive in adapting to new guidelines will form the cornerstone of dental health care in the foreseeable future.

Implementing Teledentistry for Remote Consultations

Telemedicine has seen a significant surge during the COVID-19 pandemic, and dentistry has not been left behind. Incorporating teledentistry into the practice allows dental professionals to provide consultations and follow-ups remotely, minimizing the need for patients to visit the clinic physically. This practice, as named in a Google Scholar article, can help reduce potential exposure to the virus for both patients and staff.

Teledentistry, according to a PubMed Crossref study, can be a powerful tool in patient triage, evaluating their oral health status, and determining the urgency of their dental needs before scheduling an in-person visit. This can help to limit patient flow into the clinic, thereby reducing the risk of virus transmission.

In case of an in-person visit, teledentistry allows for pre-appointment instructions to be communicated clearly. This might include advising the patient to wear a mask, avoid bringing companions, or follow specific protocols upon entering the clinic. Furthermore, post-appointment, teledentistry can facilitate remote monitoring of patients, enabling dentists to track their recovery and provide necessary advice without a physical meeting.

Importance of Communication and Patient Education

In a pandemic setting, it is vital to keep the channels of communication open and transparent with patients. Dental clinics should maintain regular communication with patients about the additional measures being taken for infection control. Informative materials like pamphlets, posters, and digital content should be made available to educate patients about COVID-19 and the steps they can take to protect themselves and others.

A PMC free article emphasizes the importance of dental clinics in debunking myths and misinformation about the virus and the vaccines. This can go a long way in boosting public health awareness and promoting responsible behaviour.

In the same vein, a strong emphasis should be placed on encouraging patients to maintain good oral hygiene. As per a Crossref Google study, good oral hygiene can potentially reduce the severity of COVID-19 and its complications.

Conclusion

In the post-COVID-19 world, dental clinics need to consider a multitude of factors to ensure the safety of their patients and staff. Implementing stringent infection control measures, adopting teledentistry, emphasizing patient education, and encouraging COVID-19 vaccinations are some of the best practices to follow.

While the journey may seem daunting, with the right protocols in place and by leveraging technology, dental clinics can help pave the way to a safer post-COVID-19 era. As we navigate through these challenging times, it is crucial to stay updated with the latest research and guidelines to adapt and respond effectively to the changing dynamics of the pandemic.

The role of dental clinics extends beyond providing dental care; they are integral to public health and have a critical part in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. By taking these measures, dental clinics in the UK and worldwide can continue to serve their patients while contributing to the broader fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.