Coronavirus and dentistry – fighting the pandemic

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has challenged health professions and systems, and developed different speeds of reaction and types of response around the world. Coronavirus is an enveloped virus with positive-sense single-stranded RNA. Coronavirus infection in humans mainly affects the upper respiratory tract, and to a lesser extent, the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical symptoms of coronavirus infections can range from relatively mild (similar to the common cold) to severe (bronchitis, pneumonia, and renal involvement). The role of dental professionals in preventing the transmission of COVID-19 is critically important. While all routine dental care has been suspended in countries experiencing COVID-19, the need for organized urgent care delivered by teams provided with appropriate personal protective equipment has become a priority. Dental professionals can also contribute to medical care. Major and rapid reorganization of both clinical and support services is not simple. Dental professionals considered a moral duty to reduce routine care due to fear of spreading COVID-19 among their patients, but were understandably concerned about financial consequences. Amidst the explosion of information available online and through social media, it is difficult to identify reliable research evidence and guidance; therefore, moral decisions must be made.