Pandemic Preparedness and Response: A Foldable Tent to Safely Remove Contaminated Dental Aerosols—Clinical Study and Patient Experience

Abstract

The D-DART (Droplet and Aerosol Reducing Tent) is a foldable design that can be attached to the dental chair to prevent the spread of contaminated dental aerosols. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of the D-DART to reduce spread of aerosols generated during dental treatment. Thirty-two patients (sixteen per group) undergoing deep ultrasonic scaling were recruited and randomly allocated to groups D-DART or Control (no D-DART). After 20 min from the start of the treatment, the clinician’s face shield and dental chair light were swabbed and the viable microbial load was quantified (ATP bioluminescence analysis, blinded operator). Statistical analyses were performed with Tukey’s Honest Test with a level of significance pre-set at 5%. There were significant increases in ATP values obtained from the operator’s face shield and dental chair light for the Control compared with baseline (31.3 ± 8.5 and fold increase). There was no significant change in microbial load when the D-DART was used compared with baseline (1.5 ± 0.4 fold increase). The D-DART contained and prevented the spread of aerosols generated during deep scaling procedures.

Investigation of the Geometric Characteristics of Inhalable Particles Emitted from the Process of Grinding Dental Restorations

“…Although, in medical literature, exposure to dust is commonly associated with miners, industrial and construction workers, the materials used in dental technology have rendered dental technicians a population segment at greater risk [16][17][18]. Dentists and dental technicians are exposed to aerosols generated from different materials for the entire duration of their working hours, generated from different materials [19][20][21][22]. In scientific and professional literature, these materials are associated with chronic diseases such as respiratory system diseases, dermatological conditions, and allergies [23][24][25][26].…”

Quantitative Evaluation of Aerosols Produced in the Dental Office during Caries Treatment: A Randomized Clinical Trial

“…Dental rotary instruments which use water-air spray cooling generate aerosols containing various types of microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi) [1]. Reducing a minimal number of aerosols produced during dental treatment is essential, especially for establishing the biological safety of the workplace [2]. Our previous in vitro studies showed that the large amounts of potentially dangerous aerosols are produced during dental treatment which contribute to the risk of pathogen transmission [3,4].…”

“…Based on the Alberta Federation of Labour, medical practitioners are at the highest risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 [2]. The time of the COVID-19 pandemic has indicated that dentists should guarantee biosafety with aerosol formation in the dental office during dental treatment [2,8].…”

“…Based on the Alberta Federation of Labour, medical practitioners are at the highest risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 [2]. The time of the COVID-19 pandemic has indicated that dentists should guarantee biosafety with aerosol formation in the dental office during dental treatment [2,8]. Therefore, many procedures have been recommended, such as rinsing the mouth with a disinfectant and treatment only for emergency and pain indications.…”

“…Therefore, many procedures have been recommended, such as rinsing the mouth with a disinfectant and treatment only for emergency and pain indications. Aerosols can transmit potentially dangerous infections, spreading other pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses [2]. The primary infection route is the contact of the bacteria or virus with mucous membranes of the nasal or oral cavity, and eyes [9].…”