Thread by @WHO

New WHO interim guidance on considerations for the provision of essential #OralHealth services in the context of #COVID19 - addresses the prioritization of urgent cases, screening of patients and measures to be taken in oral health services bit.ly/3fN4SmX

74% of countries responding to a recent WHO global assessment of continuity of essential health services during #COVID19 reported that dental services have been partially or completely disrupted.
This figure is higher than for any other type of essential service.

#OralHealth-care providers are at ⬆️ risk of being infected with #COVID19 or passing the infection to patients
🦷 they are in close contact with their patients’ mouths
🦷 use spray-generating equipment that produces airborne particles
🦷 are exposed to saliva, blood & body fluids

WHO advises that routine non-essential #OralHealth care – such as check-ups, dental cleanings & preventive care – be delayed until there has been sufficient reduction in #COVID19 transmission rates bit.ly/3fN4SmX

Whenever possible, #OralHealth patients should be given advice through remote consultation or social media channels on maintaining good oral hygiene bit.ly/3fN4SmX

https://twitter.com/who/status/1293207488674910208

Urgent or emergency #OralHealth care interventions that are vital for preserving a person's oral functioning, managing severe pain or securing quality of life should be provided, to avoid unnecessary visits to hospital emergency services bit.ly/3fN4SmX

#OralHealth patients should be screened either by virtual technology or telephone before appointments or otherwise on arrival at the health facility.
More: bit.ly/3fN4SmX

https://twitter.com/who/status/1293224781182107648

Strict infection prevention & control measures should be in place in #OralHealth care settings
-physical distancing
-use of personal protective equipment, e.g. eye protection, disposable gown, medical mask/respirator
-hand hygiene
-adherence to cleaning & disinfection procedures