Dental care and the COVID-19 pandemic: the precautionary principle and the best available evidence

Abstract

The precautionary principle is part of evidence-based healthcare. However, since it is not always based in the most qualified evidence, it is frequently questioned. The emergence of a highly contagious disease, with increased levels of morbimortality, an acute respiratory syndrome, the so called Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), led health professionals to look for the best alternatives to save lives. In this sense, the precautionary principle was evocated. The precautionary principle is used both preventively and therapeutically when knowledge about how to manage problems/diseases/conditions that are especially life-threatening. The aim of this short communication is to make a reflection about the precautionary principle, the dental profession and COVID-19. It is important to have in mind that in such a disease, guidelines, protocols and approaches can change very fast, since a continuous evaluation of all policies is mandatory.