Dental Aerosols: The Infection Connection

By Kristin Baumann, RDH, BS, MPH, Michelle Boyce, RDH, BSDH, DHSc, Donna Catapano-Martinez, CDA, RDH, DHSc

Respiratory infections—both chronic and acute—contributed to 6 million deaths in 2016, and they are highly communicable.^1–3 Many respiratory infections have been linked to the microbial inhabitants of the oral cavity.^4–10 Dental procedures that use low- and high-speed handpieces, laser or electrosurgery units, ultrasonic scalers, air polishers, prophy angles, hand instrumentation, and air/water syringes can create bioaerosols and spatter.^9,11 Ultrasonic scalers and high-speed handpieces produce more airborne contamination than any other instrument in dentistry.^9,12,13 Inhalation of airborne particles and aerosols produced during dental procedures may cause adverse respiratory health effects and bidirectional disease transmission.^{8,9,11,12,14–24} While there are recommended mechanisms that minimize the risk of transmission, many may not be routinely practiced.^{9,12,17,19,21} Oral health professionals need to be aware of the invisible dangers in the operatory and reduce the risk of disease transmission before, during, and after patient care.

* References can be found in the original article via the link below.
Read Article