Updates on the PDA Interim Guidelines
on Infection Prevention for
CoVid-19 Pandemic
(Part 2)
The coronavirus disease (Covid) has a become worldwide health crisis caused by a virus belonging to a single stranded RNA viruses known as coronavirdae. There are earlier discovered viruses that share the same RNA with the virus causing the Covid such as the one causing SARS and the MERS-CoV. These viruses are similar in the way they are infecting the lower respiratory tract. This particular Covid virus is being transmitted via droplets into exposed mucous membrane, eyes, nasal cavity, and mouth.
The dental workers are exposed to the risk of getting infected through: the use of aerosol generating procedures (AGP) like ultrasonic scaling, the use of high-speed handpiece, the 3-way syringe and high surgical suctions, and high volume evacuators.
It is known that there are unique risks to those are involved in dental interventions, where there are aerosol generation that may happen. Also, there is a risk to the dental professionals who work near the oropharyngeal area of the patient.
About 80% of the confirmed Covid are asymptomatics and unidentified cases. They are also responsible for infection of the 79% of cases. For this reason, precautions should be taken by dental professionals to protect not only themselves but also the patient.
The Philippine Dental Association (PDA) released guidelines specific for Covid in order to guard against the impact of the pandemic to dental practice. The recommended guidelines have been thoroughly researched based on available publications that are available. The guidelines are based on what have been provided by medical authorities in different parts of the globe, which are known to be based on clinical experiences. Some of the research references are based on studies on SARS and MERS and these guidelines are used in the interim and there is a need to update the guidelines when more data become available.
The recommended guidelines are meant to protect dental health workers (DHW), patients and to prevent virus spread into the community. The PDA strongly recommends that DHWs to observe the guidelines and be meticulous in observing the protocols.
The purpose of the recommendations is to guide DHWs in their dental practice. The guidelines and recommendations should not be replaced by any law, protocol or order by the Philippine authorities as it is related to the practice of dentistry. Each dentist or dental professional should earnestly follow the guidelines for safety and health.
Next week we will go into the detail the recommendations of the PDA and also the protocols on patient screening.