Abstract
In recent times, numerous scientific articles have been published on the risks of exposure to infectious microorganisms in dental care settings. The main mode of transmission of such infectious organisms is primarily through bioaerosols generated during routine dental procedures which put both dental care providers and their patients at an increased risk of exposure. Other frequent modes of infection transmission often reported include cross contamination and inadequate adoption of infection control protocols. The main objective of this article is to highlight the findings of those studies that have reported on the routes and modes of transmission of infectious organisms in dental settings, to report possibilities of cross contamination in dental care settings, and also to report any breach in adherence to infection control protocols in dental care settings. We also intend to emphasize on standard infection control protocols and strategies that need to be considered in dental care settings during disease outbreaks like coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Highlights
In recent times, numerous scientific articles have been published on the risks of exposure to infectious microorganisms in dental care settings
The purpose of this article is to highlight the risks of exposure to infectious microorganisms during dental procedures and in dental care settings
The risk could be higher during the outbreak of airborne diseases. Both dental care providers and the patients are at an equal risk of exposure to infectious microorganisms due to the bioaerosols generated during dental procedures; they are at an increased risk of exposure to blood and oral fluids during dental procedures
Summary
Numerous scientific articles have been published on the risks of exposure to infectious microorganisms in dental care settings. Particles/droplets settle either on surfaces or remain in the air for longer periods, which are inhaled and captured in the respiratory tract leading to infection/occurrence of infectious disease (McCluskey et al, 1996) These droplets may transmit infectious diseases either via indirect contact or droplet transmission in an indoor environment (Chen & Zhao, 2010). Dental care providers are comparatively at a higher risk of exposure to these viruses This is mainly because the spread of infectious microorganisms in a dental setting could be through bioaerosols generated during dental procedures due to ultrasonic instruments
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