Aerosols are generated secondary to different treatment procedures and situations in the dental clinic. Aerosols in the dental clinic may be infectious and transfer disease between clinic staff and patients. The authors present and discuss different measures to reduce infection caused by exposure to microbial aerosols. It is unrealistic to expect that close range aerosols can be eliminated in context to treatment procedures in the oral cavity. Engineering measures may limit the exposure to the aerosol. Administrative and organizational measures may contribute to reducing the generation of aerosol and risks of infection from microbial aerosols. Personal protection equipment such as facemask, eye protection, and gloves will, given proper use, also contribute to reducing the risk of potential infection transmission. The paper describes special precautions during the covid-19 pandemic concerning aerosols, and risk assessment and guidance on how dental health care workers can remain updated professionally. Oral healthcare workers must know and understand the consequences of microbial aerosol in the dental clinic and how to minimize the risks of adverse health effects among patients and clinic staff members.

Referanse
Aerosol i tannhelseklinikken. Del 2: Tiltak for å begrense smitte.
Gussgard AM, Valen H, Olsvik Ø, Jokstad A
Nor Tannlegeforen Tid. 2020; 130: 690–702