Work Together to Stay Apart
We Are Here for You
IAPD is an international organization with members throughout the entire world. Each one of us is experiencing this new situation at the same time but with diverse realities. Many governments have restricted movements of its citizens. Schools have been closed, borders sealed, public and even family gatherings have been cancelled. The pediatric dental community is being challenged both professionally and financially with little guidance as to how to cope and act during these difficult times.
However, the IAPD as a community may support each other. We offer a variety of resources to keep you busy during the lock-down.
Video Library
IAPD members have free access to all the videos of the Lecture Centre, Join Now!
Webinars
We have scheduled several webinars to support you during lock-down. Enjoy this brand new membership benefit!
Consensus Recommendations
Reach a consensus on an internationally accepted definition for ECC
Infographics
Propose and publish recommendations as to how to promote childhood caries prevention worldwide
COVID-19 Update | 5 May 2020
By Ana Vukovic (Serbia), Luciane da Costa (Brazil) and Eduardo Alcaino (Australia).
The aim of this webinar is to share current Covid-19 information, which is topical and relevant to all countries. Although IAPD does not provide universal guidelines due to the number of member nations, there are several documents which do present important information which can be applied in developed, developing and underdeveloped countries. The use of full Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) in a country with resources varies significantly to other countries, where there is no access to most of this equipment. Some relevant literature on the subject will be presented and PDF documents shared with the participants.
Further Reading Material
Useful Links
Staying Informed : Tips from the IAPD Science Committee
In many countries parents and children are confined together at home without a routine schedule. These conditions may result in lack of exercise and poor eating habits.
Here are a few tips for you to share with your patients’ parents:
- Make sure to brush your child’s teeth at least 2 times a day with fluoridated toothpaste.
- Your child should drink only water between meals; milk and juice only at mealtimes.
- Limit snacking throughout the day. A good schedule is to eat not more than five times during the day (breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, and dinner).
- Remember, sugar-containing treats should only be given to children in moderation! Chewy candies will stick around the mouth for longer periods and should be avoided.
- Healthy eating habits not only prevent cavities, but promote a healthy weight and a healthier childhood.
- Keep in touch with your pediatric dentist in case you have any questions about oral health, or need his/her assistance.
International Pulmonologist's Consensus on COVID-19
IThe IAPD Science Committee would like to share with you some information related to dental practice that can be derived from an excellent resource “International Pulmonologist’s Consensus on COVID-19, Chief Editors Dr. Tinku Joseph (India) and Dr. Mohammed Ashkan (Iran).
- Patients are thought to be most contagious when they are symptomatic.
- COVID-19 is released in the respiratory secretions when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. These droplets can infect others if they make direct contact with the mucous membranes.
- Infection also can occur by touching an infected surface, followed by touching eyes, nose or mouth, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
- Respiratory secretion droplets typically do not travel more than six feet (two meters) and do not linger in the air. However, precautions are needed with high risk procedures such as aerosolization of droplets.
- Respirators (N95, FFP2, or PAPRs [Powered, Air Purifying Respirators]) should be reserved for aerosol generating procedures (Tracheal intubation, non-invasive ventilation, tracheostomy, bronchoscopy and cardiopulmonary resuscitation). (Note: this may include dental procedures that use: air/water spray, nitrous oxide, ultrasonic instruments, high-speed hand pieces and suction devices).
- Surgical masks are primarily designed to stop the wearer from spreading their germs when coughing/sneezing/speaking.
- Eye protection when doing procedures should include a good seal with the skin of the face
- Regular hand washing is essential, but hands get “dry” and need to be moisturized to make them less vulnerable to infection.
- If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- The following items need regular disinfection: cell phone, computer keyboard and mouse, house and car keys, re-usable water bottles, car steering wheel, door handles.
The IAPD Encourages Social Distancing
We understand many of you may be feeling isolated as we are encouraged to distance ourselves from others and community events are cancelled. But remember, we are all in this together. We therefore want to urge you to continue to find ways to connect with your loved ones during this time; stay connected through the phone, emails, Zoom, Facebook, etc. Perhaps instead of saying “social isolation,” we could refer to “physical isolation.” Let’s support each other during this time of need.