Biosecurity Perspectives in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology in Times of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): a Literature Review

Abstract

The aim of this work was to report biosecurity measures in the Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (OMR) clinic in the current context of COVID-19, based on a literature review. An electronic search for scientific papers was performed using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus database. Although the literature related to care in the OMR clinic regarding COVID-19 is still scarce, this unprecedented scenario created by the pandemic generated an urgent need for measures to prevent the transmission of the virus. Dentists are at maximum risk of contagion and, although the practice of OMR generally does not produce aerosols, radiologists and technicians are continually in contact with body fluids, such as saliva. In addition, imaging exams are often indispensable for emergency or elective dental diagnosis and treatment. Training in infection control practices during major outbreaks of infectious diseases should be quickly reinforced and dental settings have unique characteristics that warrant specific infection control considerations. Some recommendations have been proposed and were discussed, which cover patient flow, equipment handling and environment, radiographic technique and processing, personal protective equipment and preparation and issuance of radiological reports and access to exam results. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, biosecurity measures in the routine of the OMR clinic are indispensable to enable emergency dental care and the perspectives of returning to elective treatment. Biosecurity measures and staff training at the OMR clinic should be instituted immediately, since imaging exams are an important and often indispensable part of dental diagnosis and treatment.

Atendimento odontológico em tempos de COVID-19: avaliação da taxa de infecção e impacto econômico entre dentistas do estado do Paraná, Brasil.

“…Diante desse elevado risco de contaminação, esses profissionais precisaram se adaptar e incluir várias estratégias e diretrizes sanitárias que foram estabelecidas pelo país, incluindo o estado do Paraná. Foi necessário limitar os atendimentos odontológicos apenas aos casos de urgência e emergência, aumentar o tempo entre os atendimentos e postergar a realização de procedimentos eletivos (6). Essas alterações tiveram como objetivo principal diminuir ações geradoras de aerossóis, reduzir a chance de contaminação cruzada entre paciente/profissional e paciente/paciente por meio de aerossóis que pudessem estar dispersos no ambiente clínico (4).…”

“…Inúmeras mudanças na rotina de atendimento odontológico foram adotadas pela Secretaria da Saúde do Estado do Paraná (SESA), bem como por clínicas odontológicas particulares, com o objetivo de impedir a rápida disseminação do vírus, já que as vias aéreas superiores de pacientes com COVID-19 contêm alta carga viral, o que pode aumentar o risco de contágio (4). As principais mudanças foram a adoção de medidas adicionais de biossegurança (5) e restrição dos atendimentos odontológicos apenas aos casos de urgência e emergência, principalmente no início da pandemia (6).…”

Assessment of infection control in oral radiology during the COVID-19 outbreak: An international collaborative study

“…There is an urgent need to establish and enhance biosafety precautions in oral radiology clinics, given the importance of imaging exams in supplementing diagnoses and informing treatment plans. 43 It is crucial to analyze the guidelines of infection prevention and control in Departments of Oral Radiology in order to prevent cross-infection and protect professionals and patients. 44 Numerous biosafety instructions are recommended to prevent cross-contamination in radiological clinics, and it is also advised to intensify training activities related to infection control practices for the oral radiology clinic team, particularly during significant outbreaks of infectious diseases such as COVID-19.…”

Estrategias para la Reanudación de las Actividades Clínico de Laboratorio del Curso de Odontología Ante COVID-19

“…Por lo tanto, la sala de rayos X debe tener una buena ventilación y estar bien ventilada, y después del uso, se requiere la limpieza de todo el entorno. En ese momento es importante observar la recomendación del fabricante de los equipos en relación con qué productos pueden ser utilizados para determinado aparato (Pieralisi et al, 2021). De acuerdo con la técnica radiográfica de elección se debe optar por la panorámica (Ben Yahya et al;Falcón-Guerrero & Falcón-Pasapera;Thomè et al 2020).…”