IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON PEDIATRIC DENTAL CARE AND THE USE OF MINIMALLY EVASIVE PROCEDURES IN BRAZIL

Abstract

Considering the COVID-19 pandemic that generated direct impacts on the health area, pediatric dentistry was also affected, since the transmission of the virus occurs from droplets and aerosols from an infected individual. In this way, extra protocols and safety measures were put in place before and during treatment to minimize the spread of infection among dentists, patients and other health professionals. In pediatric dental care, some authors suggest the use of minimally invasive procedures (MIPs) in the management of caries lesions. Therefore, the objective of this study is to review the literature on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the provision of pediatric dental care, and the use of minimally invasive procedures, as an alternative for care in dental offices. To this end, an integrative review study was carried out, in which a bibliographic survey was carried out in the Scielo, Lilacs, Pubmed databases  from 2020 to 2024. Thus, it is observed that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant changes in children's diet, difficulties in accessing oral health services, and the need to change pediatric dental care protocols, several studies suggest the option for minimally invasive dental procedures, which have the advantage of reducing or eliminating the production of aerosols, with less risk of contamination for professionals,  patients and guardians.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2024.029-030