LAUSR

Bioaerosols are defined as airborne particles of liquid or volatile compounds that contain living organisms or have been released from living organisms. Previous studies have reported that the extent of bacterial aerosol contamination generated during dental treatment procedures such as cavity preparation using an air rotor, history and oral examination, ultrasonic scaling, and tooth extraction under local anesthesia. More worrying, a recent study by van Doremalen et al. raised concern in the infectivity of COVID-19 by revealing that only a slight reduction in the virus’ infectious titer was observed during a 3-h period. It also found COVID-19 to be viable onmaterials widely used in a dental setting, such as plastic and stainless steel up to 72-h after surface contamination. These findings implore a need to re-examine our current infection control protocols in dental settings in order to contain the extent of aerosol transmission. Since dental aerosolization can be attributed to the use of ultrasonic scalers, high speed handpieces, and air turbines, infection control protocols should be implemented to avert the use of these equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time of crisis, the American Dental Association (ADA) has suggested the interim guidance for minimizing risk of COVID-19. The practice of safe infection control protocols is recommended. Patients should be screened at their arrival and those who exhibit flu-like symptoms should have their appointment deferred until they regain health. However, the infeasibility to screen out all infected patients require dental professionals to be extra cautious. As COVID-19 may be susceptible to oxidation, an oxidizing pre-treatment mouthrinse will help reduce the viral load in the oral cavity. The use of aerosolgenerating equipment should be avoided unless adequate personal protective equipment such as N95 respirator, face shields, and surgical gown can be provided. The use of rubber dam and high level saliva ejector for aerosol and