Aerosols in the Dental Office: How, When, and Where?

Airborne transmission of various pathogens has been demonstrated in both healthcare and community settings. Airborne transmission of tuberculosis and measles is noted on commercial aircraft and in the clinic waiting area, where increased proximity to infected persons conveyed increased transmission risk.^28,29 Viral transmission after airborne droplets/particles have settled on surfaces in these environments has also been demonstrated.^28,29 Furthermore, isolation of several different pathogens capable of aerosol transmission have been noted in dental offices.^30,31 For these reasons, as the COVID-19 pandemic began much attention was paid to the potential risk for airborne disease transmission in the dental office.²⁵