Title:
Infection control measures during the COVID-19 outbreak: An experience from reopening dental clinics in a university environment.
Languages of Item:
English
Abstract:
Abstract
Βackground: After almost three months of quarantine due to COVID-19 pandemic the national authorities in
accordance with the administration of the Dental School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, made
a huge effort to reopen the dental clinics of the School of Dentistry.
Methods: The clinics were divided into three categories depending on the production of aerosol. Safety
protocols for all personnel, students and patients were incorporated into daily routine. Labs, clinics and examinations
were under surveillance of the Infection Control Committee of the School. All groups of students were subdivided,
and appropriate distances were kept in all clinics and auditoriums. Strategies to lower patient attendance, reduce
of aerosol, check the indoor air quality, monitor all visitors, control sterilization process and waste disposal are
discussed further in this paper.
Results: Many of the guidelines incorporated urgently due to the pandemic, are about to remain in many settings
of the Dental School for future evaluation and better function of labs and clinics.
Conclusion: A period of two months for training dental students in advanced safety protocols is needed while
reopening due to COVID-19. The cost for protective equipment and single use materials tripled during the operation
of dental clinics and laboratories due to COVID-19. Τhe amount of hazardous waste produced in the dental clinics
doubled in a period of two months. Public health can be protected if safety protocols and use of protective equipment
is used by both staff and students.
Authors:
Maria Αntoniadou, Ioannis Tzoutzas, Fotios Tzermpos, Vasilios Panis, Helena C. Maltezou, Maria Tseroni, and Foivos Madianos
Journal:
Journal of Oral hugiene and health
Keywords:
COVID-19; Pandemic; PPE; Safety protocols; Public dental sector; Precautions; Dental school
Main subject category:
Health Sciences
Project information:
Οδοντιατρική Σχολή Αθηνών
