Efficacy of three face masks in preventing inhalation of airborne contaminants in dental practice

Checchi, Luigi; Montevecchi, Marco; Moreschi, Annalisa; Graziosi, Francesca; Taddei, Paola; Violante, Francesco Saverio

doi:10.14219/jada.archive.2005.0288

Cited by 52 publications

(43 citation statements)

References 13 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…Potentially hazardous bioaerosols can also be reduced by using an air cleaning system [ 5 , 19 ]. Some research shows that personal particulate respirators (certified in accordance with European Committee on Standardization standard EN 149:2001) are much more effective than high-quality surgical masks commonly used in dental practice [ 20 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Do exposures to aerosols pose a risk to dental professionals?

Kobza

Brągoszewska

2018

Occupational Medicine

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

BackgroundDental care professionals are exposed to aerosols from the oral cavity of patients containing several pathogenic microorganisms. Bioaerosols generated during dental treatment are a potential hazard to dental staff, and there have been growing concerns about their role in transmission of various airborne infections and about reducing the risk of contamination.AimsTo investigate qualitatively and quantitatively the bacterial and fungal aerosols before and during clinical sessions in two dental offices compared with controls.MethodsAn extra-oral evacuator system was used to measure bacterial and fungal aerosols. Macroscopic and microscopic analysis of bacterial species and fungal strains was performed and strains of bacteria and fungi were identified based on their metabolic properties using biochemical tests.ResultsThirty-three bioaerosol samples were obtained. Quantitative and qualitative evaluation showed that during treatment, there is a significant increase in airborne concentration of bacteria and fungi. The microflora included mainly gram-positive organisms (Staphylococcus epidermidis and Micrococcus spp.), gram-positive rod-shaped bacteria and those creating endospores as well as non-porous bacteria and mould fungi (Cladosporium and Penicillium).ConclusionsExposure to the microorganisms identified is not a significant occupational hazard for dental care professionals; however, evidence-based prevention measures are recommended.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Checci et al . [ 20 ] concluded that there should be improved knowledge of immunity status of dental staff and a better vaccination programme. Additionally, past history of infection and immunization history should be known for each individual dental care professional [ 21 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Do exposures to aerosols pose a risk to dental professionals?

Kobza

Brągoszewska

2018

Occupational Medicine

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…This is similar to data published previously for dentists in the United States of America (USA) 29) . Certified particulate respirators have been shown to have superior filtering protection compared to high quality surgical masks in the dental setting 36) . If masks are used, face seal masks have been shown to protect against and reduce the exposure to aerosolised microorganisms 37) .…”

Section: Personal Protective Measuresmentioning

confidence: 99%

Occupational Health Problems in Modern Dentistry: A Review

2007

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Despite numerous technical advances in recent years, many occupational health problems still persist in modern dentistry. These include percutaneous exposure incidents (PEI); exposure to infectious diseases (including bioaerosols), radiation, dental materials, and noise; musculoskeletal disorders; dermatitis and respiratory disorders; eye injuries; and psychological problems. PEI remain a particular concern, as there is an almost constant risk of exposure to serious infectious agents. Strategies to minimise PEI and their consequences should continue to be employed, including sound infection control practices, continuing education and hepatitis B immunisation. As part of any infection control protocols, dentists should continue to utilise personal protective measures and appropriate sterilisation or other high-level disinfection techniques. Aside from biological hazards, dentists continue to suffer a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), especially of the back, neck and shoulders. To fully understand the nature of these problems, further studies are needed to identify causative factors and other correlates of MSD. Continuing education and investigation of appropriate interventions to help reduce the prevalence of MSD and contact dermatitis are also needed. For these reasons, it is therefore important that dentists remain constantly informed regarding up-to-date measures on how to deal with newer technologies and dental materials.

show abstract

“…The report of a cluster of dentists with IPF, as well earlier reports of other respiratory hazards, emphasizes the need for proactive measures to prevent occupational respiratory complications in dental healthcare workers. Use of high‐speed evacuation and new improved masks are important considerations for all dental personnel who are exposed to aerosols in clinical or laboratory settings. The need for continuous preventive measures is illustrated by the occurrence of IPF in dentists who were older, and had potential exposure over a number of decades.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%