Management of pandemic or large-scale emergencies in Germany with a focus on the current and potential role of university schools of dentistry: Can it help in COVID-19 time?

Abstract

Abstract Background The study presented here systematically examines the potential involvement of dental, oral and maxillofacial centres (ZMK) in the management of pandemia or in large-scale emergencies. It looks at available material and infrastructural resources and how they can be brought to bear in such incidents or situations. The aim was to gain an initial scientific overview of how ZMK can potentially contribute to the handling of a pandemia or mass casualty (MASCAL) situation in terms of available resources as well as their location within the hospital as a whole and their integration into the existing infrastructure. The study was conducted on the basis of a questionnaire consisting of 70 individual questions, which was sent to all universities in Germany that offer a course of study in dental medicine. The responses were then statistically evaluated. Results The study outlines the current status of ZMK and discusses what could be an important component of emergency medical care in the overall hospital context. Conclusion The involvement of ZMK—with their own resources and existing infrastructural links to the hospital as a whole—could lead to faster and more effective patient treatment in the event of a pandemic or MASCAL situation.