NEW DELHI: Considering the high risk of contracting covid-19 during dental procedures, the Union health ministry on Tuesday asked dental clinics in containment zones to but allowed them tele-triage.
The health ministry added that dentists, auxiliaries as well as patients undergoing dental procedures are at high risk of cross-infection, given the nature of the infection. "Most dental procedures require close contact with the patient’s oral cavity, saliva, blood, and respiratory tract secretions.
Saliva is rich in covid-19 viral load. Many patients who are asymptomatic may be carriers," the health ministry said. According to the home ministry's guidelines, patients in containment zone can seek ambulance services to travel to the nearby covid