Challenges of preventing the new coronavirus (COVID-19) in dental practice

Abstract

Describe the main challenges faced in dental practice about COVID-19 prevention methods. METHOD: This is a literature review, using national and international articles published in the first half of 2020, indexed on the MEDLINE, LILACS and BBO platforms. To select the articles, the descriptors "COVID-19" and "Dentistry" were used, resulting in a sample of 5 articles for complete reading. RESULTS: Considering the work environment, the practices and instruments used by dentists, they are professionals constantly exposed to biological risks. The protective measures used before the pandemic, are not fully effective to prevent contamination by COVID-19, causing apprehension among professionals, and the need to acquire knowledge about the forms of prevention and control of Covid-19. CONCLUSION: The challenges include the quality of information about the disease, adaptations related to biosafety, generation of protocols, fear and anxiety present in the daily lives of professionals in the current health context.