Performance of mitigation measures on emitted droplets in dental atomization procedure

Abstract

Cross-infection risk induced by dental-related droplets and aerosol particles has challenged service providers and patients alike. The dental clinic has been widely treated as one of the most vulnerable healthcare organizations with a high exposure risk to infection. The present study aims to investigate the effect of high-volume evacuation (HVE) on the emitted droplets and aerosol particles during dental atomization procedures. Ultrasonic scaling, one type of atomization procedure, is performed in the dental clinic. The laser light scattering method is employed to visualize the immediate moment with and without the cooperation of HVE on ultrasonic scaling. The Proper Orthogonal Decomposition analysis is employed to investigate the turbulent flow characteristics. The previous hypothesis about the moderate performance of HVE on tiny high-velocity droplets has been proven in the present study. The HVE can be characterized as significantly low-threshold measures to reduce the contaminated region. Besides, a pair of vortexes presented near the facial region of dental professionals will be eliminated when cooperating with HVE. The HVE can significantly reduce the emitted droplets (about 60%) and the airborne lifetime of suspended particles. HVE acting as additional mitigation measures could augment traditional/primary decontamination strategies such as ventilation and personal protective equipment.