Possible aerosol transmission of COVID-19 and special precautions in dentistry

Author: Zi-yu GE ¹
Author Information

1. Department of General Dentistry, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Aerosol; Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19); Infection control; R511; R780.1
From: Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 2020;21(5):361-368
CountryChina
Language:English
Abstract: Since its emergence in December 2019, corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has impacted several countries, affecting more than 90 thousand patients and making it a global public threat. The routes of transmission are direct contact, and droplet and possible aerosol transmissions. Due to the unique nature of dentistry, most dental procedures generate significant amounts of droplets and aerosols, posing potential risks of infection transmission. Understanding the significance of aerosol transmission and its implications in dentistry can facilitate the identification and correction of negligence in daily dental practice. In addition to the standard precautions, some special precautions that should be implemented during an outbreak have been raised in this review.