Re-evaluating Aerosol-Generating Procedures in Dentistry Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

Ahmed, Anam; Mannan, Huda

doi:10.5281/zenodo.17737966

Published July 2021 | Version v1

Journal article Open

Re-evaluating Aerosol-Generating Procedures in Dentistry Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

1. Associate Professor (CC), Department of Dental Public Health, University Dental College & Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
2. Assistant Professor, Department of Pedodontics, University Dental College & Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Contributors

Contact person:

Ahmed, Anam¹

1. Associate Professor (CC), Department of Dental Public Health, University Dental College & Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Abstarct

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the potential of Aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs)to be a vector for the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, leading to increased concern about infection control in dental settings. This review serves to examine the risks associated by AGPs during the pandemic and summarize the changing recommendations for managing them. To deal with these risks, a narrative approach was adopted consisting of searching the databases, PubMed and Google scholar were searched for literature, published from January 2019 until April 2021. Peer-reviewed original articles, systematic reviews, clinical practice guidelines, and association positions statements. The study revealed the successful use of upgraded PPE, adjuncts like rubber dams and high-volume suctioning to reduce aerosol contamination, and changes in clinical practice that included the postponement of elective procedures in favour of emergency treatment. Despite the fact that many advances were made to the subject matter, much standardisation and research still needs to occur according to scientists.