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

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Oral Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2024) | Viewed by 36330

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Prof. Dr. Guglielmo Campus

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Department of Restorative, Preventive and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
Interests: community dentistry; oral epidemiology; public health; biostatistics; cariology; oral health; prevention; pediatric dentistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Maria Grazia Cagetti

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Director, Post-Graduated School in Pediatric Dentistry, Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
Interests: pediatric dentistry; community dentistry; caries prevention; oral health promotion; caries epidemiology; oral health of special needs children
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

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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Keywords

oral health
COVID-19
treatment decision-making
dental profession
infection control
aerosol
dentistry
dental hygienist
dentists
dental personnel

Published Papers (12 papers)

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10 pages, 382 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Dentists in Latin America’s Epicenter: São Paulo, Brazil

by Carlos Ariel Rodrigues de Araujo, Danielle Viana Ribeiro, Danielle Boina de Oliveira, Wander Barbieri, Gabriela Silva de Castilho, Manuel Jimenez, Tamara Kerber Tedesco, Maisa Camillo Jordão, Tatiane Fernandes Novaes, Danielle da Costa Palacio and Debora Heller

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 15028; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192215028 - 15 Nov 2022

Viewed by 1606

Abstract

The present study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of stress and anxiety symptoms among dentists during the COVID-19 pandemic in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. A structured questionnaire was sent electronically to 93,280 dentists with active registration in the Dental Council of São Paulo, Brazil, enquiring about information regarding the first-wave peak period in Brazil. Descriptive analyses of background characteristics, perceptions of preparedness, and psychological impact were calculated. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed, and independent variables that showed p < 0.20 were used in the adjusted logistic regression model to compare the psychological impact on dental professionals. Among the 2113 respondents, female participants had 63% lower chance of reporting anxiety than males. Older dentists had a lower likelihood of reporting anxiety compared to 21–30-year-old dentists (p ≤ 0.05). Dentists working in the public health service were 1.78 times more likely to report anxiety than those who worked in private practice. Finally, dentists in the COVID-19 high-risk group and those with a family or team member with a positive COVID-19 diagnosis were more likely to have anxiety. This study can help dental and other healthcare professionals to better understand the consequences of COVID-19 in terms of mental health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dentistry and COVID-19: Challenges and Opportunities for Providing Safe Care)

10 pages, 692 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sensitivity and Specificity of Rapid SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Detection Using Different Sampling Methods: A Clinical Unicentral Study

by Faisal Alonaizan, Jehan AlHumaid, Reem AlJindan, Sumit Bedi, Heba Dardas, Dalia Abdulfattah, Hanadi Ashour, Mohammed AlShahrani and Omar Omar

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6836; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116836 - 02 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1803

Abstract

Rapid antigen detection of SARS-CoV-2 has been widely used. However, there is no consensus on the best sampling method. This study aimed to determine the level of agreement between SARS-CoV-2 fluorescent detection and a real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR), using different swab methods. Fifty COVID-19 and twenty-six healthy patients were confirmed via rRT-PCR, and each patient was sampled via four swab methods: oropharyngeal (O), nasal (N), spit saliva (S), and combined O/N/S swabs. Each swab was analyzed using an immunofluorescent Quidel system. The combined O/N/S swab provided the highest sensitivity (86%; Kappa = 0.8), followed by nasal (76%; Kappa = 0.68), whereas the saliva revealed the lowest sensitivity (66%; kappa = 0.57). Further, when considering positive detection in any of the O, N, and S samples, excellent agreements with rRT-PCR were achieved (Kappa = 0.91 and 0.97, respectively). Finally, among multiple factors, only patient age revealed a significant negative association with antigenic detection in the saliva. It is concluded that immunofluorescent detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigen is a reliable method for rapid diagnosis under circumstances where at least two swabs, one nasal and one oropharyngeal, are analyzed. Alternatively, a single combined O/N/S swab would improve the sensitivity in contrast to each site swabbed alone. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dentistry and COVID-19: Challenges and Opportunities for Providing Safe Care)

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11 pages, 757 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Coronavirus Information-Seeking Behavior on Dental Care Access: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based Study

by Silvia Gallegati, Luca Aquilanti, Valerio Temperini, Gloria Polinesi and Giorgio Rappelli

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(22), 12050; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182212050 - 17 Nov 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1993

Abstract

Health information-seeking behavior provides a variety of benefits, such as reducing knowledge gaps and educating individuals outside the medical office. This study aimed at evaluating if different sources used to gather information on COVID-19 could affect the willingness to undergo dental appointments. An anonymous survey was posted on social media. The 1003 respondents used several channels of communication, clearly distinguishing reliable from unreliable ones. Multiple logistic regression estimated the effect of different information channels on the probability of being strongly influenced by COVID-19 in accessing upcoming dental appointments. Newspapers were the most-used channel of information (61.2%), blogs and forums the least used (11.2%). Overall, the more an individual was informed, the higher was the risk of missing upcoming dental care appointments (OR 2.05, CI 1.45–2.90, p < 0.001). The two most reliable channels of communication were identified in journals/websites of medicine and healthcare professionals. Women proved to be more active in gathering information and relying on less secure but more personal channels, such as social media and friends and family, thus having an increased risk of being influenced by COVID-19 information regarding upcoming dental care appointments (OR 3.62, CI 0.85–15.52, p < 0.1 and OR 1.60, CI 1.00–2.58, p < 0.1, respectively). Social media should have a greater presence on the side of medical service providers to avoid distortions of information and fake news that ultimately cause fear among citizens and compromise their health. Healthcare professionals and institutions should adapt their communication channels based on the audience they want to address to optimize the education and information of the final users. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dentistry and COVID-19: Challenges and Opportunities for Providing Safe Care)

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12 pages, 2025 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of COVID-19 on Dental Care during a National Lockdown: A Retrospective Observational Study

by Elias Walter, Leonard von Bronk, Reinhard Hickel and Karin Christine Huth

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(15), 7963; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18157963 - 28 Jul 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2806

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has challenged dental health professions. This study analyzes its impact on urgent dental care in the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, University Hospital Munich and Bavaria, Germany. Patient numbers without and with positive/suspected COVID-19 infection, their reasons for attendance, and treatments were retrospectively recorded (February–July 2020) and linked to local COVID-19 infection numbers, control measures, and numbers/reasons for closures of private dental practices in Bavaria, Germany. Patient numbers decreased within the urgent care unit and the private dental practices followed by a complete recovery by the end of July. While non-emergency visits dropped to almost zero during the first lockdown, pain-related treatments were administered invariably also in patients with positive/suspected COVID-19 infections. Reasons for practice closures were lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), lack of employees, staff’s increased health risks, and infected staff, which accounted for 0.72% (3.6% closures in total). Pain-driven urgent dental care remains a constant necessity even in times of high infection risk, and measures established at the beginning of the pandemic seem to have provided a safe environment for patients as well as oral health care providers. PPE storage is important to ensure patients’ treatment under high-risk conditions, and its storage and provision by regulatory units might guarantee a stable and safe oral health care system in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dentistry and COVID-19: Challenges and Opportunities for Providing Safe Care)

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9 pages, 1676 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Natural Ventilation and Saliva Standard Ejectors during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Quantitative Analysis of Aerosol Produced during Dental Procedures

by Imena Rexhepi, Rocco Mangifesta, Manlio Santilli, Silvia Guri, Piero Di Carlo, Gianmaria D’Addazio, Sergio Caputi and Bruna Sinjari

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(14), 7472; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18147472 - 13 Jul 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3794

Abstract

The novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has renewed attention to aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs). Dental-care workers are at high risk of contamination by SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of standard saliva ejectors and natural ventilation in reducing particulate matter (PM) concentration during different routine dental procedures in the pandemic period. The DustTrak monitor was used to measure PM1, PM2.5, PM10, and breathable (<4 microns) total dust during 14 procedures performed with and without the presence of natural ventilation in a dental unit. Moreover, measurements were performed near the practitioners or near the standard saliva ejectors during the different procedures. In the latter condition, reduced levels of PM10 were recorded (82.40 ± 9.65 μg/m³ vs. 50.52 ± 0.23 μg/m³). Moreover, higher levels of PM (53.95 ± 2.29 μg/m³ vs. 27.85 ± 0.14 μg/m³) were produced when the dental unit’s windows were open. At the same time, the total level of PM were higher during scaling than during other procedures (data suggest not to adopt natural ventilation—both window and door opened—during dental procedures). It was also demonstrated that the use of standard saliva ejectors can considerably reduce the total released amount of PM10. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dentistry and COVID-19: Challenges and Opportunities for Providing Safe Care)

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12 pages, 6774 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Risk Perception of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Implementation of Various Protective Measures by Dentists Across Various Countries

by Anand Marya, Mohmed Isaqali Karobari, Siddharthan Selvaraj, Abdul Habeeb Adil, Ali A. Assiry, Ali A. Rabaan, Rithvitou Horn, Adith Venugopal, Pietro Messina and Giuseppe Alessandro Scardina

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 5848; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18115848 - 29 May 2021

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 3669

Abstract

Objective: Healthcare workers in general are at a high risk of potential infections with COVID-19, especially those who work with aerosol generating procedures. Dentists fall in this category, as not only do they operate with aerosol generating procedures but also operate within a face-to-face contact area. Methods: A structured self-administered questionnaire was developed at Najran University and provided to the participants for data collection. The data collected included information on risk perception and incorporation of measures for protection against COVID-19 to gauge the attitude of dentists during this period. Also, clinical implementation of various protective measures was reviewed. Results: Of the n = 322 dentists that answered the questions, 50% were general dentists and 28.9% were dentists working at specialist clinics, while the remaining 21.1% of dentists were employed in academic institutions. Among the newer additions to the clinic, 36.3% of dentists answered that they had added atomizers to their practices, followed by 26.4% of dentists that had incorporated the use of UV lamps for sterilization. We found that 18.9% dentists were using HEPA filters in their clinics, while 9.9% of dentists were making use of fumigation devices to control the risk of infection. One-way ANOVA was also carried out to demonstrate that there was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.049) between groups of dentists utilizing HEPA filters, UV lamps, atomizers, and fumigation devices to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV2 across their workplaces. Conclusion: Dentists are aware of recently updated knowledge about the modes of transmission of COVID-19 and the recommended infection control measures in dental settings. A better understanding of the situation and methods to prevent it will ensure that the dental community is able to provide healthcare services to patients during the pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dentistry and COVID-19: Challenges and Opportunities for Providing Safe Care)

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11 pages, 917 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Facial and Oral Manifestations Following COVID-19 Vaccination: A Survey-Based Study and a First Perspective

by Marta Mazur, Irena Duś-Ilnicka, Maciej Jedliński, Artnora Ndokaj, Joanna Janiszewska-Olszowska, Roman Ardan, Malgorzata Radwan-Oczko, Fabrizio Guerra, Valeria Luzzi, Iole Vozza, Roberto Marasca, Livia Ottolenghi and Antonella Polimeni

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4965; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094965 - 07 May 2021

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4424

Abstract

(1) Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in Wuhan, China, in late 2019. The development of effective and safe vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 has been extremely fast. The list of orofacial adverse effects of BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 vaccines based on the clinical trials are reported to be rare. The aim of this study was to investigate the facial and oral manifestations of COVID-19 vaccination using a survey-based study. (2) Methods: The questionnaire was developed using Google Forms and sent anonymously to a total of 700 subjects (medical personnel) in Poland, Italy, and other EU countries. (3) Results: 223 people answered the questionnaire, mainly vaccinated with BNT162b2. Only 3.1% and 5.4% experienced oral and facial symptoms, respectively. General diseases presence and age have significant influence on the probability of oral symptoms occurrence after the second dose. Facial symptoms are correlated with general disease; autoimmune pathologies and age, at first and second dose, respectively. Gender, smoking and regular medication intake have significant influence on the probability of taking an absence day. Gender, age, and smoking have a significant influence on the duration of symptoms after second dose. (4) Conclusions: Based on the results of this preliminary survey, there is no observed significant correlation between vaccine administration for COVID-19 and facial and oral manifestations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dentistry and COVID-19: Challenges and Opportunities for Providing Safe Care)

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9 pages, 1858 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dissemination of Aerosol and Splatter in Clinical Environment during Cavity Preparation: An In Vitro Study

by Muhammad Adeel Ahmed and Rizwan Jouhar

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(7), 3773; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18073773 - 04 Apr 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3393

Abstract

Dental health care workers around the world are in a constant state of fear and anxiety because they work in a constrained space of the dental practice. During routine dental procedures, they are exposed to aerosol and splatter. These airborne particles pose a great risk of transmitting contagious infections to health care workers and patients, especially in an era of social distancing due to COVID-19. The current study was conducted to evaluate contamination amount, duration, the distance of aerosol, and splatter produced after cavity preparation using a two-hole and four-hole handpiece. The study was performed on a dental manikin in a dental simulation laboratory at the College of Dentistry, King Faisal University Al Ahsa. The dental manikin was set to a reclined position to simulate the clinical operatory position of the patient for dental restorative procedures. Aerosol and splatter were collected on Grade 1 qualitative cotton cellulose filter paper. These were placed on adhesive tape extending from the headrest of the dental manikin in six different directions (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 o’clock) for up to 60 inches and on certain positions of the operator and assistant such as the chest, head, forearms, upper leg, and inside facemask. Class V cavity preparation was done by the principal investigator at a specific time of 3 min on tooth #11 using a two-hole high-speed handpiece, then on the next day, Class V cavity preparation was performed on tooth #21 by a four-hole handpiece. High volume suction was used throughout the cavity preparation. Immediately after cavity preparation, the first filter paper disc was replaced with new ones in all positions. The second set of filter papers was removed after 30 min. Transparent grids were used to count the contamination area on the filter paper disc. No statistically significant difference was found in the mean amount of aerosol and splatter produced by both handpieces, however, a statistically significant difference was found in an amount of aerosol and splatter produced at a 12, 24, and 36 inches distance immediately after cavity preparation and 30 min after cavity preparation, regardless of the type of handpiece used. It is advisable to refrain from removing the personal protective barriers immediately after the procedure within the vicinity of the dental practice. The use of other adjuncts such as high volume suction to reduce the spread of aerosol and splatter is also recommended. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dentistry and COVID-19: Challenges and Opportunities for Providing Safe Care)

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Review

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11 pages, 1559 KiB

Open AccessReview

COVID-19 Pandemic and Remote Consultations in Children: A Bibliometric Analysis

by Nicole Camoni, Silvia Cirio, Claudia Salerno, Araxi Balian, Giulia Bruni, Valeria D’Avola and Maria Grazia Cagetti

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 9787; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19169787 - 09 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1664

Abstract

Telemedicine is becoming a standard method of consultation, and the COVID-19 pandemic has increased its need. Telemedicine is suitable for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the pediatric population, as these are chronic conditions that affect many children worldwide. The aim of this study was to analyze the bibliometric parameters of publications on the use of telemedicine for the most common NCDs in children before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Following the electronic search, 585 records were selected. “Metabolic diseases” was the most frequent topic before and after the pandemic, accounting for 34.76% in 2017–2019 and 33.97% in 2020–2022. The average IF of the journals from which records were retrieved was 5.46 ± 4.62 before and 4.58 ± 2.82 after the pandemic, with no significant variation. The number of citations per reference averaged 14.71 ± 17.16 in 2017–2019 (95% CI: 12.07; 17.36) and 5.54 ± 13.71 in 2020–2022 (95% CI: 4.23; 6.86). Asthma, metabolic diseases, and neurodevelopmental disorders were the most explored topics. A relevant finding concerns the increasing number of observational studies after the pandemic, with a reduction of the interventional studies. The latter type of study should be recommended as it can increase the evaluation of new strategies for the management of NCDs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dentistry and COVID-19: Challenges and Opportunities for Providing Safe Care)

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14 pages, 1040 KiB

Open AccessReview

How the COVID-19 Pandemic Affects Risk Awareness in Dentists: A Scoping Review

by Thomas Gerhard Wolf, Leonardo de Col, Seyed Ahmad Banihashem Rad, Paolo Castiglia, Antonella Arghittu, Mina Cannavale and Guglielmo Campus

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 4971; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19094971 - 20 Apr 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2324

Abstract

Dentists are on the frontline of infection, especially when it comes to respiratory viruses like the new coronavirus. The purpose of this paper is to conduct a scoping review to better understand dentists’ risk awareness, awareness of COVID-19 symptoms, preventive measures, and effective methods of COVID-19 infection prevention and management. This paper systematically assesses the published literature on dentistry and COVID-19. Various electronic databases including Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and MEDLINE via PubMed were searched up to 9 September 2021. Overall, 39 papers were included. Almost the entirety of dentists (94.5%) reported awareness of the three most common COVID-19 symptoms, and a risk awareness score of about 90% was shown, while 88.2% of dentists reported adopting preventive measures. More than 50% did not want to treat infected people. While 70.3% of dentists recommended usage of N95 masks, the rate of dentists using them was below 40%. Sufficient awareness of risks during the pandemic was found in dentists. Although they were using preventive measures, there remains upside potential for adopting all recommended measures. Further, the usage of N95 masks is improvable, even though the benefit of wearing them could not be confirmed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dentistry and COVID-19: Challenges and Opportunities for Providing Safe Care)

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19 pages, 7389 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recommendations for Safe Dental Care: A Systematic Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines in the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Naira Figueiredo Deana, Andrea Seiffert, Yanela Aravena-Rivas, Pablo Alonso-Coello, Patricia Muñoz-Millán, Gerardo Espinoza-Espinoza, Patricia Pineda and Carlos Zaror

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(19), 10059; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph181910059 - 24 Sep 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4133

Abstract

In the context of a pandemic, the rapid development of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) is critical to guide dental staff towards the safe provision of dental care; detailed knowledge of the recommendations will help to achieve the intended results. We carried out a systematic review of the recommendations in clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) on the provision of dental care issued during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic database search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, Epistemonikos, and Trip databases to identify documents with recommendations intended to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission during dental care. The selection process and data extraction were carried out by two researchers independently. The majority of CPGs recommended the use of rubber dam, high-volume evacuator, mouthwash prior to dental care, four-handed work, and mechanical barriers. The use of aerosol-generating equipment should be avoided whenever possible. In aerosol-generating procedures, the use of a N95 respirator (or similar) is recommended, in addition to a face protector, an impermeable disposable apron/gown, a cap, and gloves. The CPGs developed during the first year of the pandemic offer recommendations which guide dental staff in providing safe dental care, minimizing exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and reducing the risk of COVID-19 infection in the clinical environment. Such recommendations must, however, be updated as new evidence arises. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dentistry and COVID-19: Challenges and Opportunities for Providing Safe Care)

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Other

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10 pages, 623 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Pandemic COVID-19 Influence on Adult’s Oral Hygiene, Dietary Habits and Caries Disease—Literature Review

by Aleksandra Wdowiak-Szymanik, Agata Wdowiak, Piotr Szymanik and Katarzyna Grocholewicz

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12744; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912744 - 05 Oct 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2065

Abstract

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2. The pandemic over the past two years has completely changed people’s daily habits with an impact on oral hygiene, eating habits, and oral health. Materials and methods: The available literature was reviewed on the PubMed platform and from other sources MEDLINE and Cochrane Reviews. The analysis included comparative and clinical trials as well as pragmatic clinical/randomized controlled trials, and observational studies which focused on the effects of COVID-19 on the dietary habits of the population, oral hygiene, and caries incidence. Results: The analysis shows that the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant negative impact on dietary habits and an ambiguous impact on oral health habits of the population. The researchers showed that patients’ visits were limited only to those necessary, because of fear of infecting with the SARS-CoV-2. Conclusions: The literature review shows that the COVID-19 pandemic, by affecting many aspects of everyday life, including eating habits, caring for oral hygiene, and avoiding regular visits to the dentist, may generate an increase in oral diseases. Due to the differences in knowledge results, further research observations in this field are necessary. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dentistry and COVID-19: Challenges and Opportunities for Providing Safe Care)

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