Omicron Variant of SARS-CoV-2 and Its Potential Impact on Dental Practice

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been raging across the world for over two years, but the daily reported numbers of new infections and deaths are still increasing. The newly identified Omicron variant has significant changes in its transmissibility and pathogenicity due to the multiple mutations in the spike protein, posing new challenges to the global public health. World Health Organization has categorized Omicron as a variant of concern (VOC). The spread of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants has caused disruptions to the dental practice worldwide. During the course of diagnosis and treatment of dental care, face-to-face communication at close quarters, droplets, aerosols, and exposure to saliva and blood increase the risks of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. The emergence of new variants, especially the Omicron variant, has formed new challenges to dental healthcare provision. In addition, oral tissues, including the tongue and oral mucosa, can overexpress the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is also the binding receptors of SARS-CoV-2. As a result, the oral cavity is one of the target sites of SARS-CoV-2 infection. SARS-CoV-2 infection in oral cavity may cause different oral complications, such as loss of taste. However, there are few reports about Omicron and the other variants of SARS-CoV-2 and their impacts on dental healthcare provision. Herein we made an overview of the Omicron variant and its characteristics, including its pathogenicity and immune evasion, and its potential impact on dental practice. We also proposed some control measures with the aim of reducing the possible transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants during dental care.