What is a potential route of transmission of infection especially likely in the dental workplace?

Aerosol spray is a significant route of transmission of infection in the dental workplace due to the nature of dental procedures, which often involve the use of instruments that create fine spray or mist. When dentists use high-speed handpieces, ultrasonic scalers, or air-water syringes, they generate aerosols that can contain blood, saliva, and microorganisms. These tiny particles can remain suspended in the air for extended periods, allowing them to be inhaled by dental staff and patients.

In the dental environment, where close proximity to the patient is common, the risk of aerosol transmission is elevated, particularly during procedures that produce a lot of spatter or aerosolization. Consequently, stringent infection control measures, such as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), high-volume suction, and proper ventilation, are necessary to mitigate this risk.

While airborne droplets and direct contact are also relevant in the context of infection transmission, aerosol spray is particularly noteworthy in dental settings where procedures inherently generate such aerosols. Direct entry typically refers to the transmission of pathogens through breaks in the skin, which is less common in routine dental treatments compared to aerosol transmission.