Aerosol Generation and Mitigation in the Dental Practice

COURSE SUMMARY: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic brought to light the severity and risks caused by aerosolization in the dental operatory. Aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) potentially put healthcare personnel (HCP) and patients at an increased risk for pathogen exposure and infection. These aerosols may remain suspended in the air for hours following dental procedures. Some procedures performed on patients are more likely to generate higher concentrations of infectious respiratory aerosols than coughing, sneezing, talking, or breathing. This course will present the known risks of aerosol generating procedures (AGPs), and strategies to mitigate potential pathogen exposure and infection.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Identify procedures at high risk

Describe transmission precautions for aerosol generating procedures

Acknowledge improved protocols to dental care provision in the post-pandemic era

Implement administrative controls and engineering controls to reduce aerosol

Discuss technologies to assist dental practices with aerosol mitigation