The risks dental care professionals face of contracting transmittable diseases from aerosolization of body fluids during routine procedures are not new, but increased concern over COVID-19 has brought attention to an area of dentistry that has been overlooked before.

This is mainly because the aerosol particles of COVID-19 pose an even greater threat than those of other transmittable diseases. The size of these ultra-fine viral particles can enter the bloodstream and target organs such as the heart and brain.

Most aerosol containing infectious agents originating from the patient remain 36” from the patient’s face. These aerosols, as well as spatter, pose a threat to the dentist and other staff members in proximity. COVID-19 aerosols have been estimated to travel up to 20 feet. 

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Additionally, COVID-19 remains viable in aerosols for 3 hours or more around your dental chair, posing a risk to the multiple patients and dental care staff exposed in that time frame. Aerosols will continue to settle on instruments and furniture in that time. COVID-19 stays on stainless steel and plastic surfaces for up to three days.

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Further, we know that people infected with COVID-19 may not have any visible symptoms, but still have the potential to transmit the virus. Risks of "super-spreading events" increase when aerosols are produced during routine dental procedures on an asymptomatic patient, as their is no way to tell if postponement of treatment is necessary.