Oral Hygiene: Office and home Care during the COVID-19 pandemic

This course will review the various mouth rinses available and their effectiveness on SARS-CoV-2 for use as pretreatment rinses and improved homecare to limit potential spread of the virus with asymptomatic carriers.

3 CE Credits

A peer-reviewed course written by Gregori M. Kurtzman, DDS, MAGD

Abstract

COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged globally in the latter part of 2019 and has spread to every country leading to a pandemic with increasing infections and deaths related to the virus. COVID-19, having an aerosol transmission, causes infection primarily through the mouth, nose and eyes and is transmitted primarily by the mouth (breathing, coughing) and nose (sneezing). Use of masks when out in public has been recommended and in some geographic areas, mandated to limit potential contact with aerosols containing the virus in an attempt to stem infection spread. Recent studies have indicated that a large percentage of those infected with COVID-19 are asymptomatic carriers able to transmit the virus to others through normal activities that produce aerosol, such as talking, exhaling, sneezing and coughing. Viral load related to COVID-19 has been reported to be consistently high in the saliva and relatively higher than found in the oropharynx during the early stages of infection. Patients need to remove their masks during dental treatment and may, if the virus is present in the mouth, spread the virus into the room air via aerosol when talking or breathing prior to treatment initiation. High-volume evacuation aids in elimination of aerosols created during treatment but may not completely eliminate virus particle spread into the operatory air and hence throughout the office. Pretreatment rinsing with specific mouth rinses has been advocated to inactivate any SARS-CoV-2 virus present in the patients mouth and eliminate aerosolization of those active particles. This course will review the various mouth rinses available and their effectiveness on SARS-CoV-2 for use as pretreatment rinses and improved homecare to limit potential spread of the virus with asymptomatic carriers.

Educational objectives

At the conclusion of this educational activity, the dental professional should be able to:

  1. Understand basic practices to limit or prevent COVID-19 spread in the dental practice.
  2. Understand asymptomatic carriers and their potential to spread the virus in the dental practice.
  3. Understand what mouth rinses are available and their effectiveness against COVID-19.
  4. Understand how incorporation of antiviral oral rinses in homecare can limit potential spread of the virus to those one may encounter when not able to wear a mask such as fellow home residents and aid in improving periodontal health in general.

Gregori M. Kurtzman, DDS, MAGD, FACD, FPFA, DADIA, DICOI, DIDIA, is in private general dental practice in Silver Spring, Maryland, and is a former assistant clinical professor at University of Maryland in the department of restorative dentistry and endodontics. He is a former AAID Implant Maxi-Course assistant program director at Howard University College of Dentistry. Dr. Kurtzman has lectured internationally on the topics of restorative dentistry; endodontics, implant surgery, and prosthetics; removable and fixed prosthetics; and periodontics. He has published more than 720 articles, several ebooks, and textbook chapters. Dr. Kurtzman has earned fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), American College of Dentists (ACD), International Congress of Oral Implantology (ICOI), Pierre Fauchard Academy, and Association of Dental Implantology (ADI). He has attained mastership in the AGD and ICOI, and diplomate status in the ICOI, American Dental Implant Association (ADIA), and the International Dental Implant Association (IDIA). He is a consultant and evaluator for multiple dental companies. Dr. Kurtzman has been honored to be included in the “Top Leaders in Continuing Education”by Dentistry Today annually since 2006 and was featured on their June 2012 cover.  He can be reached at dr_kurtzman@maryland-implants.com.

Image credit: © fpm | Getty Images
Quick Access Code: 21009

Not Enrolled
$39.00

Course Includes

  • 12 Lessons
  • 1 Test
  • Course Certificate
  • 3 CE credit(s)

    Course Type: written

    This continuing education (CE) activity was developed by Endeavor Business Media with no commercial support.

    This course was written for dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants, from novice to skilled.

    Educational methods: This course is a self-instructional journal and web activity.

    Provider disclosure: Endeavor Business Media neither has a leadership position nor a commercial interest in any products or services discussed or shared in this educational activity. No manufacturer or third party had any input in the development of the course content.

    Requirements for successful completion: To obtain 3 CE credits for this educational activity, you must pay the required fee, review the material, complete the course evaluation, and obtain an exam score of 70% or higher.

    CE planner disclosure: Laura Winfield, Endeavor Business Media dental group CE coordinator, neither has a leadership nor commercial interest with the products or services discussed in this educational activity. Ms. Winfield can be reached at lwinfield@endeavorb2b.com.

    Educational disclaimer: Completing a single continuing education course does not provide enough information to result in the participant being an expert in the field related to the course topic. It is a combination of many educational courses and clinical experience that allows the participant to develop skills and expertise.

    Image authenticity statement: The images in this educational activity have not been altered.

    Scientific integrity statement: Information shared in this CE course is developed from clinical research and represents the most current information available from evidence-based dentistry.

    Known benefits and limitations of the data: The information presented in this educational activity is derived from the data and information contained in the reference section.

    Registration: The cost of this CE course is $39.00 for 3 CE credits.

    Cancellation and refund policy: Any participant who is not 100% satisfied with this course can request a full refund by contacting Endeavor Business Media in writing.

    Provider information:

    Dental Board of California: Provider RP5933. Course registration number CA code: 03-5933-21009. Expires February 2024. “This course meets the Dental Board of California’s requirements for 3 units of continuing education.”

    PACE

    Endeavor Business Media is a nationally approved PACE program provider for FAGD/MAGD credit.
    Approval does not imply acceptance by any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement.
    11/1/2022 to 10/31/2024.
    Provider ID# 320452
    AGD code: 010

    AADH

    Endeavor Business Media is designated as an approved Provider by the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, Inc. #AADHPNW (January 1, 2022–December 31, 2024). Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial Board of Dentistry. Licensee should maintain this document in the event of an audit. AADH code:

    ADA CERP

    Endeavor Business Media is an ADA CERP–recognized provider.

    ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of dental continuing education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.

    Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to CERP at ada.org/goto/cerp.

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