The importance and improvement of indoor air quality in dental clinics within the context of Covid-19

Abstract

As of August 24, 2020, WHO has reported 23 311 719 Covid-19 confirmed cases in 216 countries, areas. The confirmed death toll from these cases is 806 410. New information on the transmission routes of Covid-19 is found every day. While there are no conclusive results on the “airborne transmission” of Covid-19 in indoor transmission, recent research suggests that Covid-19 can be detected in the air and can live for a long time after aerosolization.

Workers at dental clinics are also in the largest risk group exposed to extra aerosols that emerge during treatment.

The purpose of this review is to review the studies on Covid-19, the cause of the pandemic that has been around the world for about six months, and to review the studies on aerosol transmission from the air, which are not much discussed (controversial), and to review the studies on the quality and improvement of office air during dental procedures, which are one of the most important risks for virus transmission.

It is concluded that indoor air quality should be of the highest standard for the health of the dental clinics personal and patients in the waiting room. Air movement should be ensured. To do that; since it is the safest way to provide air quality, airing to dilute the infectious particle concentration in the air should be ensured. If ventilation equipment is to be used, ventilation systems with HEPA filter that distribute negative pressure should be chosen. Personal must not put off their protective equipment before leaving the clinic.

In addition, information on aerosol transmission and protection from transmission of Covid-19 by inhalation should be added by updating the public health guidelines published to prevent the spread of the virus.