Amidst Pandemic: Dentistry 2020

The present outbreak of epidemic virus i. e. COVID-19 originating in Wuhan, China constitutes a major public health emergency of global concern impacting several countries, affecting more than 30, 055, 710 patients. The diseases have shown human-to-human transmission via direct contact, droplets and possible aerosol transmission affecting people irrespective of nation, race, caste and socioeconomic status. Since COVID-19 has been detected in infected patients saliva, its outbreak is an alert to all the dental and other health professionals to be vigilant in defending against the spread of the virus. It is crucial for dental practitioner to undertake appropriate preventive and infection control measures to limit the transmission of virus considering the unique nature of dental procedures. This review articles introduces essential knowledge about COVID-19 and nosocomial infections in dental settings and provide recommended management protocols for dental practitioner that should be implemented during such outbreak.