Risks of Aerosol Contamination in Dental Procedures during the Second Wave of COVID-19—Experience and Proposals of Innovative IPC in Dental Practice

Maria Giovanna Gandolfi, Fausto Zamparini, Andrea Spinelli, Vittorio Sambri and Carlo Prati
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Maria Giovanna Gandolfi: Laboratory of Green Biomaterials and Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, DIBINEM, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
Fausto Zamparini: Laboratory of Green Biomaterials and Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, DIBINEM, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
Andrea Spinelli: Endodontic Clinical Section, School of Dentistry, DIBINEM, University of Bologna, 40125 Bologna, Italy
Vittorio Sambri: Unit of Microbiology, DIMES, University of Bologna, 40125 Bologna, Italy
Carlo Prati: Endodontic Clinical Section, School of Dentistry, DIBINEM, University of Bologna, 40125 Bologna, Italy

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 23, 1-12

Abstract: Dental-care workers operate very close to the patient’s mouth and are at high risk of contamination by SARS-CoV-2. Droplets may be contaminated by patient’s saliva and exhaled breath particles. All asymptomatic patients should be considered as Coronavirus positive. All dental procedures must be revised after positive identification of SARS-Cov-2. Novel recommendations as the use of novel suction cannula designed for fast spray/saliva aspiration, use of Tyvek suits and innovative sprayhoods designed for dental-care worker protections are proposed to prevent virus transmission. New tailored operative and clinical procedures are being currently developed by university dental clinics and hospitals in attempt to reduce risk for dental workers and patients.

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2 infection; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) diffusion; aerosol; droplets; dental offices; dental chair unit (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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