This narrative review provides a comprehensive summary of the implications of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on orthodontic treatment and a review of treatment protocols recommended for control of spread of this infection, using currently available data and literature. Relevant sources of information were searched using electronic databases including PubMed and Google Scholar and current reports from major health bodies such as Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, and major national orthodontic associations. The SARS-CoV-2 virus may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact with infected people through infected secretions such as saliva and respiratory secretions or through their respiratory droplets. Aerosol generating procedures often carried out in the orthodontic clinic can become a source of its spread as well as cross-infection. The asymptomatic patients and patients in their incubation period are also carriers of SARS-CoV-2 and can be infectious. Elective orthodontic treatment should be delayed until there has been sufficient reduction in COVID-19 transmission rates from community transmission to cluster cases or according to official recommendations at national, sub-national or local level while urgent or emergency interventions that are vital for preserving a person's oral functioning, managing severe pain or securing quality of life should be provided. Treatment advice should be delivered remotely first when possible, and where necessary, in-person treatment can be performed in a well-prepared operatory following the necessary precautions and infection prevention and control (IPAC) protocol.

Background: Orthodontic practitioners have a high exposure risk to cross infection with COVID-19 due to proximity with the patients and frequent exposure to body fluids during procedures. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate COVID-19 related experiences, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours among orthodontists and orthodontic residents in Nigeria, and to identify factors related with their self-perceived and actual level of COVID-19 related knowledge. Methods: An online questionnaire was sent to a sample of orthodontists and orthodontic residents in Nigeria to survey demographic characteristics, personal experiences, knowledge, attitude and behaviours related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The data collected were analysed using descriptive analysis, chi-square test and regression analysis. Results: A total of 29 (54.7%) respondents were specialist orthodontists while 24(45.3%) were orthodontic residents. Most orthodontists (96.6%) and orthodontic residents (95.8%) had completed COVID-19-related training programs and the Internet (98.1%) was their primary source of knowledge. The mean self-perceived knowledge score was 4.44 ± 0.55 while their total knowledge score was 4.15 ± 0.60. Attitudes towards the use of PPE (P = 0.001) and compliance with the use of pre-procedural mouth rinse with 1% Hydrogen Peroxide or 0.2% povidone Iodine (P = 0.034) was significantly different among the respondents based on their professional status. Conclusions: COVID-19-related training programs as well as provision of essential personal protective equipment are essential for the improvement of knowledge, confidence, and preparedness of orthodontic professionals.