Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the importance of minimizing exposure to aerosols
generated during dental procedures. The authors’ objective was to measure the aerosolized
particles in the breathing zone of operators using several facial protection and filtration
methods.
Methods
Twenty-one dentists performed maxillary anterior incisor veneer preparations using
a microscope and drape and loupes with or without a face shield. In each test condition,
the following 3 levels of filtration were tested: no filtration, a high-volume evacuator
[HVE], and an HVE with an extraoral suction device. Measurements were made using a
mass monitor attached to the operator’s chest with inlet within 10 inches of the operator’s
face.
Results
The authors found that the microscope and drape provided the lowest levels of aerosolized
particles compared with loupes with or without a face shield (P < .001). There was no detectable difference in the concentration of particles between
operators wearing a face shield and wearing loupes alone (P = .47). The particles in each test condition were lowered when an HVE was used (P < .001) and further lowered with an extraoral suction device.
Conclusions
The findings of this study suggest that the use of a surgical microscope and bag barrier
drape, HVE, and extraoral suction device result in the lowest concentration of aerosolized
particles. The face shield did not appear to offer any protection from aerosolized
particles. HVE and extraoral suction were effective in decreasing aerosols regardless
of the type of facial protection used.
Practical Implications
Dentists can reduce exposure to aerosols with a drape, HVE, and extraoral suction.
