Dentistry and COVID-19: Challenges and Opportunities for Providing Safe Care

Dear Colleagues,

The scientific and medical world are still involved in intensive research to face the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. In dentistry, the risk of cross-infection is recognized to be high since the proximity with the patient's head and production of splatters and aerosols during dental treatments may represent potential hazards for virus diffusion.

Several strategies to control SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the dental environment during the pandemic were recommended, including the use of appropriate personal protection devices and the reduction, if possible, of treatments that can produce droplets or aerosols.

Nevertheless, these strategies are not reasonable in the long term, as it is mandatory for several dental treatments to be performed using rotary handpieces. The pandemic calls for a reorganization of the dental profession, both for public and private providers. The formulation and test of protocols that ensure the provision of safe care both for patients and dental personnel is essential.

Papers addressing these topics are invited to this Special Issue, including protocol papers on the health professional risk of COVID-19, the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 diffusion in health professionals and dental personnel, risk assessment for patients and health workers, and risk management and intervention studies aiming to control the virus diffusion in the dental setting, ensuring safe dental care.

Prof. Dr. Guglielmo Campus
Dr. Maria Grazia Cagetti
Guest Editors

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