COVID-19 preparedness and response plan for the dental laboratory workplace in armed forces

Abstract

Introduction: The outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia SARS-CoV-2 has necessitated the reinforcement of infection control measures in the dental clinic and prosthetic laboratory setting. These precautions are mandatory to cease any transmission of COVID-19 to the clientele or dental health care workers. Risk assessment is conducted for all steps of dental laboratory processes of prosthesis fabrication viz. preprocessing, processing and postprocessing. Standard precautions must be followed at all times when laboratory staff handles clinical impressions or appliances at various clinical and laboratory stages which may contain infectious microorganisms. Standard precautions must include social distancing and hand hygiene along with the use of personal protective equipment. In the preprocessing phase, all impressions, models and prosthesis should be handled as per Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines. They are collected in appropriate containers and are decontaminated by appropriate disinfectant before transporting them for fabrication. There should be the minimal formation of aerosols ensured while undertaking all technical procedures of processing. Adequate decontamination of all the prostheses should be carried out using 1% sodium hypochlorite in the post-processing phase. About 65%–70% ethanol or hydrogen peroxide (0.5%) is used for surface disinfection. All biomedical waste generated should be disposed as per state and national guidelines. Conclusion: The dental prosthetic laboratory biosafety measures are important to minimize the risk of laboratory transmission of COVID-19 to health-care workers.