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Safety Precautions and Operating Procedures in an ABSL-4 Laboratory: 3. Aerobiology
Published on: October 3, 2016
Bioaerosols and Airborne Transmission in the Dental Clinic
James R Allison1, Stefanie Tiede2, Richard Holliday1
1Faculty of Medical Sciences, School of Dental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Abstract:
The importance of aerosols (particles suspended in air) produced during dental procedures became more apparent than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic. Concerns over transmission of infection in these aerosols led to unprecedented disruption to dental services across the world, adversely impacting patients' oral health. This article discusses the evidence related to airborne transmission of infectious diseases and the relevance to dentistry. The production of bioaerosols (aerosols carrying biological material) during dental procedures is explored, as well as how the potential risks posed by these bioaerosols can be controlled. A better understanding of dental bioaerosols is needed to prevent similar disruption to dental services in future outbreaks, and to reduce the risk of infection of dental professionals when treating patients with active infections who require urgent or emergency dental care.
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