Aerosol transmission for SARS-CoV-2 in the dental practice. A review by SIdP Covid-19 task-force

Current evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is predominantly spread from person to person. Aim of this narrative review is to explore transmission modality of SARS-CoV-2 to provide appropriate advice to stakeholders, in order to support the implementation of effective public health measures and protect healthcare workers that primary face the disease. In vivo and in vitro studies from laboratories and hospitals confirmed the presence of surface contamination and provided insight of SARS-CoV-2 detection in the air, particularly in indoor settings with poor ventilation where aerosol-generating procedures were performed. Measures for aerosol reduction, in conjunction with other effective infection control strategies, are needed to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in dental setting.

Automated summary

The aim of this narrative review is to explore the transmission modality of SARS-CoV-2 in order to provide appropriate advice for stakeholders and support the implementation of effective public health measures, particularly for protecting healthcare workers. Both in vivo and in vitro studies from laboratories and hospitals have confirmed the presence of surface contamination and the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the air, especially in poorly ventilated indoor settings where aerosol-generating procedures take place.