Dataset Information

Changes in paediatric dental clinic after reopening during COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan: a retrospective study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Affected by COVID-19 pandemic, The Department of Paediatric Dentistry of School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University was closed in late January 2020, and resumed on 20 April. Our study aimed to explore the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on paediatric dental services which might assist global paediatric dentists to build confidence and make appropriate policies under the pandemic.

Design

A retrospective study was performed. Medical records of patients were retrieved but without any private information, including patient name, ID number and address.

Participants

All data of the patients from 20 April to 31 July in 2020 and 2019 were extracted and analysed including demographics, dental diagnosis and treatment methods. A total of 18 198 patients were included in the study.

Results

During this period, no medical staff or patient was infected with COVID-19 due to dental services. A total of 6485 in 2020 but 11 713 during the same period in 2019 visited the department. Compared with 2019, gender distribution did not change, but age distribution changed with an increase under 6-year-old. The diagnoses including caries, retained primary teeth, malocclusion, deep pits and fissures changed significantly, while pulpitis, apical periodontitis, tooth trauma, early loss of primary teeth, supernumerary teeth showed little change. Aerosol generating procedures were adopted less frequently overall in this period.

Conclusions

The reopening of paediatric dental services is proceeding steadily with significant changes in the characteristics of the patients and treatment procedures.

SUBMITTER: Yang J

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8756075 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:ObjectivesIdentify splatter/aerosol distribution from dental procedures in an open plan clinic and explore aerosol settling time after dental procedures.MethodsIn two experimental designs using simulated dental procedures on a mannequin, fluorescein dye was introduced: (1) into the irrigation system of an air-turbine handpiece; (2) into the mannequin's mouth. Filter papers were placed in an open plan clinic to collect fluorescein. An 8-metre diameter rig was used to investigate aerosol settling time. Analysis was by fluorescence photography and spectrofluorometry.ResultsContamination distribution varied across the clinic depending on conditions. Unmitigated procedures have the potential to deposit contamination at large distances. Medium volume dental suction (159 L/min air) reduced contamination in the procedural bay by 53%, and in other areas by 81-83%. Low volume suction (40 L/min air) was similar. Cross-ventilation reduced contamination in adjacent and distant areas by 80-89%. In the most realistic model (fluorescein in mouth, medium volume suction), samples in distant bays (≥5 m head-to-head chair distance) gave very low or zero readings (< 0.0016% of the fluorescein used during the procedure). Almost all (99.99%) of the splatter detected was retained within the procedural bay/walkway. After 10 min, very little additional aerosol settled.ConclusionsCross-infection risk from dental procedures in an open plan clinic appears small when bays are ≥ 5 m apart. Dilution effects from instrument water spray were observed, and dental suction is of benefit. Most settled aerosol is detected within 10 min indicating environmental cleaning may be appropriate after this.Clinical significanceAerosols produced by dental procedures have the potential to contaminate distant sites and the majority of settled aerosol is detectable after 10 min. Dental suction and ventilation have a substantial beneficial effect. Contamination is likely to be minimal in open plan clinics at distances of 5 m or more.