This paper by Morawska and Coa alleges a difference in the current opinions between some in the science community and global public health bodies when it comes to airborne transmission indoors. This is relevant to dental surgery and oral surgery practices as AGPs (Aerosol Generating Procedures) are undertaken within buildings with significant movement of people and doors opening and closing creating air currents that have potential to spread virus beyond the surgery and potentially transmit infection.

This is a document by Sirona to minimise the potential of airborne transmission within buildings caused by Aerosol Generating Procedures (AGPs) in dentistry using pins. I imagine other dental suppliers will copy this solution in time. There is a nine page attachment with details of the solution on my blog.

We have discussed in our previous blogs that controlling patient flow within the oral surgery setting, PPE, hydrogen peroxide mouthwash pre-op and alcohol gel hand washing on entering the building, AGP avoidance and limiting practice to emergency treatment only makes up part of the risk management strategy. The mechanism of air transmission (aerosol transmission) within the surgery gains traction in the profession as virus can be moved in the surgery and beyond to waiting rooms over considerable distance and remain viable for possibly several hours within buildings. We must look at air purification to mitigate against the risk of airborne transmission within the dental surgery / oral surgery buildings.

Todays blog gives two links regarding air disinfection in the dental surgery to the Novaerus website with an additional link on protecting healthcare workers with air purification. I have also discussed an article on airborne transmission in the operating theatre from the bulletin and linked that into dental surgery and air purification allowing us to get back to work.

Options to restore the Failing dentition. ‘All-on-4’ or restoration of terminal dentition with dental implants.