Standard Environmental Aerosol Risk of Common HVAC Options in Dentistry

ABSTRACT

This paper discusses aerosol risk in typical dental suite spaces private rooms, and open spaces. It also considers the risk to physically separated occupants within the same suite. Risks are compared, using a standard environmental aerosol risk (SEAR) methodology, to show the higher and lower mitigation values of the various options. When a source of infectious aerosols in present, the highest aerosol exposure risk occurs for the workers sharing the immediate space with the source. There is also risk present for occupants in other moms. Source controls, if it can be effectively accomplished, is the most beneficial strategy for all parties. It reduces risk for the workers in the room with the source. And, having removed the aerosols, it reduces risk for all occupants outside the room. Treatment very near the source, with a local HEPA filter device, can also effectively reduce the risk both locally and for occupants outside the room. Closed doors can also be effective. If patients can be seen in private rooms with normally closed doors, risk for occupants in other areas is significantly reduced, since the aerosols will be more contained. If a known infectious source is present, use of an airlock or anteroom (two doors), and negative pressure can virtually eliminate risk for other areas.