Oral Health Matters: The Ethics of Providing Oral Health During COVID-19

HEC Forum. 2021 Jun;33(1-2):157-164. doi: 10.1007/s10730-020-09435-3. Epub 2021 Jan 15.

Abstract

Oral health is a critical part of overall health. The current COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of oral health. In this article, we describe how dental practice has been impacted by COVID-19, identify the public health response to COVID-19, and explain the gradual resumption of dental care after the initial disruption due to the pandemic. Finally, we discuss how long-standing health disparities in oral health have been exacerbated by the current pandemic.

Keywords: Bioethics; COVID-19; Dental care; Health equity; Oral health; Pandemic.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 / epidemiology*
  • Delivery of Health Care / ethics*
  • Ethics, Dental*
  • Health Services Accessibility / ethics*
  • Healthcare Disparities / ethics*
  • Humans
  • Oral Health / ethics*
  • Pandemics
  • Public Health / ethics
  • SARS-CoV-2