Annals and Essences of Dentistry
Open Access
ISSN: 0975-8798, 0976-156X
ISSN: 0975-8798, 0976-156X
Gowtham S, Deepthi Padma E
Dental clinics are potential hazardous areas as large amount of bio-aerosols are produced here. Bioaerosols are microorganisms or particles, gases, vapors, or fragments of biological origin (i.e., alive or released from a living organism) that are in the air. Many sources of bioaerosols exist within and outside the dental clinic. The concentration of aerosols and splatters appears to be highest during dental procedures, especially those generated by some procedures such as ultrasonic scaling, or using a high speed drill. Bioaerosols may reach up to 12-16 feet from the source during patient care and may stay suspended in the air for hours if there is inadequate ventilation of air exchanges. Therefore, several infectious diseases could be transmitted to staff and patients by airborne bacterial and other contaminants in the dental clinic. Dental staff should use personal protective measures, which reduce contact with bacterial aerosols and splatters in the dental clinic.