"DENTAL AEROSOLS" - ROLE OF ITS REDUCTION IN INFECTION CONTROL - AN IMPORTANT REVIEW

All procedures performed with the use of dental unit handpieces cause the formation of aerosol which are commonly contaminated with bacteria, viruses, fungi, often also with blood. Aerosol is defined as small droplet usually 5µm or less in diameter, which can remain suspended in air for some time. All dental personnel including dentists, nurses, and hygienists are at risk from contaminated dental aerosols. Thus here author reviews role of its reduction in infection control. The authors reviewed representative medical and dental literature for studies that documented the spread of disease through an airborne route. They also reviewed the dental literature for representative studies of contamination from various dental procedures and methods of reducing airborne contamination from those procedures. This review highlights the dental aerosols hazards experienced by dental personnel. However, focus is directed on exposure to biological agents as a result of fine aerosol during dental procedures and aims towards standard precautionary measures to minimize risk. Dental procedures contributed to increased bacterial contamination at the working environment from contaminated aerosols that may pose a health risk both for dental personnel and patients hence Standard precautionary measures to be taken minimize risk.