Citation Information :
Mani A, Kale PP, Anarthe R, Pendyala GS, Thakkur P, Ekharamantri A. Aerosols in Dentistry and Minimizing Their Production and Exposure in COVID-19 Era. CODS J Dent 2020; 12 (2):41-44.
The widespread public health concern that has gripped the complete international community is related to recent spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its associated coronavirus disease. Despite all the world's efforts to contain the coronavirus disease spread, the outbreak is still on a rise because of the community spread pattern of this infection. This infection is believed to have originated in bats and pangolins and later transmitted to human races thereafter. Once this virus enters the human body, it is abundantly present in nasopharyngeal secretions and salivary secretions of infected patients, and its spread is predominantly thought to be respiratory droplet/contact in nature. Dental professionals being in the frontline for acquiring infections may encounter patients with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Dental professionals will have to act diligently not only to provide care but at the same time prevent further nosocomial spread of infection also. Thus, this review article aims to provide a brief overview of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and dental aerosols and guidelines in minimizing aerosol production and exposure.
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