Dental Aerosols and the Pandemic: A Necessary Wake-Up Call
Much like blood in the 1980s, with relation to HIV and hepatitis, aerosols took center stage during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of us didn’t give them a thought previously; then, all of a sudden, aerosols became a dangerous force to be reckoned with. They kept us out of work for weeks, if not months, and many people never returned to the op for fear of the danger they posed.
Of course, aerosols have always been there. There are studies on aerosols and spatter in dentistry going back to the ’60s.1 And in 2004, Harrel and Molinari noted, “There are at least three potential sources of airborne contamination during dental treatment: dental instrumentation, saliva and respiratory sources, and the operative site.”2 It seemed most of that fell on deaf ears, but COVID-19 certainly made us aware of the invisible battle we were facing. While much research has been conducted, more is forthcoming and the recommendations are sure to change with the data. But for now, what do we need to do to stay safe?...
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Of course, aerosols have always been there. There are studies on aerosols and spatter in dentistry going back to the ’60s.1 And in 2004, Harrel and Molinari noted, “There are at least three potential sources of airborne contamination during dental treatment: dental instrumentation, saliva and respiratory sources, and the operative site.”2 It seemed most of that fell on deaf ears, but COVID-19 certainly made us aware of the invisible battle we were facing. While much research has been conducted, more is forthcoming and the recommendations are sure to change with the data. But for now, what do we need to do to stay safe?...
Click Here to Read More