Sir, since we have had an overwhelming number of publications and letters published related to the traumatic and depressing scenarios brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, I wanted to report something on the positive side. As a practising dentist in Cambodia we have remained unaffected by the pandemic largely due to the effective preventive measures being taken here.

Initially the clinics were mostly asked to either implement strict infection control measures, if they wanted to resume their daily operations, or close until such measures were adopted. Since March, when the virus spread became a major cause for concern, we have largely remained operational thanks to the strict infection control and quarantine measures adopted by the government. The ministry of health was efficient in disseminating infection control guidelines and ensuring that dental clinics strictly adhered to them. Many clinics resorted early to online consultations, controlling the patient inflow and rigorous screening at their entrances.

In dental schools the daily outpatient departments were shut down initially and only emergency patients were seen; with time things have gone back to normal. To minimise any spread, patients are always asked to strictly follow two-metre distancing, all dental chairs have been separated by plastic curtains and all treating dentists must follow the mandatory PPE protocols. At present classes are still being conducted online but the laboratory work and practical sessions have resumed with students attending physical classes on alternate days.

The government has also implemented strict quarantine measures for all passengers flying into the country making it very secure for the local population in terms of containing virus spread. With time not only the dentists but also the public have regained confidence in resuming dental treatment as there has not been a single case of dentist-to-patient transmission or vice versa. Collectively, the measures from the government, the ministry of health and the local dental council have all resulted in dentists being able to continue their work throughout the pandemic period without apprehension.1 At the time of sending this letter the entire country has reported only 290 cases with 283 recoveries and no mortalities making it one of the few countries with a 100% recovery rate and incredibly low incidence.