The practice of pediatric dentistry after the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The global spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has had a wide-ranging impact on dental practice worldwide. Given this scenario, this study proposed to conduct a literature review, addressing the current evidence regarding biosafety practices and clinical recommendations associated with the return to elective dental care in the specialty of Pediatric Dentistry, especially in the post-pandemic context of COVID-19. The imminence of significant changes in dental practices is undeniable, ranging from aspects related to biosafety to specific technical procedures. The intensification in the use of Personal Protective Equipment, although crucial for the safety of professionals, can generate discomfort and strangeness, especially among children. Therefore, improved attention to the management of patient behavior, both before and during treatment, becomes imperative. In this context, the search for new approaches that suit the needs and peculiarities of Pediatric Dentistry is an emerging demand. The advent of non-aerosolizing techniques and the preference for minimally invasive procedures emerge as promising strategies, aiming to mitigate potential risks of virus transmission and provide a safer dental environment. This context imposes on professionals in the area the need for constant updating, in line with the recommendations of the scientific literature, to ensure the efficacy and safety of the procedures adopted.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2023.007-046