Salivary detection of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and implications for oral healthcare providers

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become a major public health crisis. The diagnostic and containment efforts for the disease have presented significant challenges for the global healthcare community. In this brief report, we provide perspective on the potential use of salivary specimens for detection and serial monitoring of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), based on current literature. Oral healthcare providers are at an elevated risk of exposure to COVID-19 due to their proximity to nasopharynx of patients, and the practice involving the use of aerosol-generating equipment. Here we summarize the general guidelines for oral healthcare specialists for prevention of nosocomial transmission of COVID-19, and provide specific recommendations for clinical care management.