Abstract

Air Disinfection Procedures in Dental Office during Covid-19 Pandemic

AkshitaG.Rathi 1

3rd ICDOH.2021AUG. Published Online 22 Aug 2021

Abstract : The outbreak of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) generated huge pressure on health care systems worldwide. In this time of Covid-19 pandemic, dental professionals are at great risk of becoming infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), due to direct contact with the patients’ oral cavity, body fluids and airborne pathogens.
Dentistry is based on use of dental handpieces, ultrasonic scalers, or 3-way syringe tools which happen to produce aerosols. These aerosols may remain suspended in clinical environment. Dental aerosols can pose risks to clinician, staff, and other patients. Disinfection of air-conditioning systems in dental offices and frequent air exchange with mechanical ventilation are the key strategies to ensure occupational safety during the current pandemic. Repeated disinfection of air-conditioning systems in dental offices very essential in this pandemic. So, this review focuses on air disinfection such as fogging with disinfectants, UV-C flow germicidal lamps, photo catalytic disinfection and devices with HEPA filters, useful methods of air disinfection in dental clinics. Also, design of clinic for proper air ventilation, use of electric motor handpieces, location of compressor and use of other methods are discussed.