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Monkeypox (MPX), a rare zoonotic disease, endemic to some African countries is now spreading in non-endemic regions, including the UK. So far, it has been reported in 93 countries with over 38,000 global cases, although the signs are that the disease may be plateauing in UK. The outbreak was declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization (WHO). Monkeypox virus (MPXV), belongs to the family Orthopoxviridae, the same family as the smallpox (variola) virus. Although some features of MPX resemble smallpox, a disease that has been eradicated, the former is far milder with a very few associated fatalities. Usually, the initial signs of MPX appear during its prodrome, as single or multiple macular lesions on the oral mucosa, accompanied by generalized lymphadenopathy, followed by the characteristic macular, papular vesicular rash on the skin that heals with scarring. The major mode of spread of MPX is generally through direct or indirect contact with body fluids or lesion material. Its transmission in the dental clinic environment is unlikely if the standard infection prevention and control (IPC) precautions recommended in the National IPC Manual (NHS England) are adhered to. These include wearing N95 masks, fluid-resistant attire and eye protection. Here, the virology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, management and prevention strategies of MPX, with particular reference to dentistry are reviewed. CPD/Clinical Relevance: To describe the epidemiology of the re-emergent monkeypox outbreak, and discuss the management of dental patients who may present with it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global infections with the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 have now superseded all other similar variant infections we have witnessed thus far. The current global wave mainly caused by a descendant of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, called BA.2, is the most prevalent in UK, and has a natural history somewhat different from its predecessors. It also appears, that the so-called COVID-19 variant infections, in varying guises, are the harbingers of the post-COVID-19, 'new normal' world of the future, we have to live in. Here, we look at key features of SARS-CoV-2 variants, particularly BA.1 and BA.2, and the reasons for their phenomenal spread, vaccine efficacy against them, as well as the unfolding short-term outlook for the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All healthcare workers, including dental professionals are foot soldiers in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. Indeed, in the USA, dental practitioners and dental students are now recruited to deliver COVID-19 vaccines to the general population to expedite vaccine uptake, and rapidly suppress the pandemic. There are many unknowns in the evolving COVID-19 vaccine story, although we now see the true situation in a better light, with the rapid emergence of data from numerous countries, including UK, where the vaccine has currently been administered to millions. The situation is further compounded by the reported vagaries of the increasing number of brand-name vaccines, manufactured on both the new and old vaccine platforms, the purported or real, vaccine adverse effects, the emergence of possible vaccine-resistant viral variants, and the resultant low vaccine uptake due to vacillating public opinion. In this COVID-19 Commentary, we provide an update on the efficacy of the vaccines and the prevalence of adverse effects, as well as a summary of useful information for dental care workers on vaccine protocols appertaining to special situations, as promulgated both by the UK Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, and the US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of facial protection measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 is available to clinicians. Here, we comprehensively explore the pros and cons of different types of face masks including N95 respirators, face shields, and powered, filtering-facepiece respirators (FFRs) currently used to reduce airborne infection transmission in the dental clinic. The controversial issue of the 'fit test' prior to the use of N95 masks, and the related, current, UK and US recommendations are additionally discussed. The article concludes with a section on facial skin health, and practical measures for circumventing the adverse skin effects due to prolonged mask wearing. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Post-COVID-19, 'new normal' entails significant re-adaptations of infection control in dentistry, including facial protection measures that are required for mitigating airborne infection transmission in the dental operatory. A strategic understanding of the theory and practice of facial protective measures, and the underlying technology of the various face masks and respirators available for dentistry, will be valuable for safeguarding the health of patients as well as the whole dental team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Professor Newell W. Johnson, a renowned figure in oral pathology and oral medicine, has passed away at the age of 85. He was a respected researcher, academician, and mentor, known for his work on oral cancer and other oral diseases. Professor Johnson was highly regarded internationally and had a particular affinity for Asia, where he collaborated with experts to study unreported pathologies. He authored numerous textbooks, published over 600 research articles, and supervised over 30 successful PhD students. His contributions to the field will be greatly missed. [Extracted from the article]