Management of Orthodontic patients in COVID-19 pandemic, a single center initial experience.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Faculty of Dentistry, Orthodontic Department, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt.

2 Mataria Teaching Hospital, Internal Medicine and Neurology Department, Cairo, Egypt.

Abstract

The year 2020 will be marked for years to come with pandemics related to the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) experiencing lockdowns and quarantine in a trial to create social distancing and reduce transmission of infection. It was considered a global concern as per world health organization (WHO). With the lockdown only emergency dental treatments were allowed with the complete closure of the orthodontic practice in a trial to help flatten the curve. The aim of this clinical report is to describe the clinical outcome of orthodontist and assistant who took care of several COVID-19 cases possibly carriers of SARS-COV-2 or reported recent infection and recovery. The possible measures that can keep both dental health care workers and patients safe added to the actions taken to help adapt to the new normal were elaborated. Methods: A case series of one carrier and other five cases of recently recovered patients were managed in clinic. Different scenarios will be discussed for the purpose of comparing the management, possible measures that were applied and precautions that could make the practice safer . Furthermore, we followed up other patients who had procedures in same clinic during upcoming 48 hours for 14 days through phone calls or recall visits. Results: No transmission of infection to the dental health care workers as per nasopharyngeal swab as well for the follow up patients .Conclusion: The infection control measures described in this clinical report were sufficient enough to prevent transmission of infection from a confirmed carrier patient.

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