Up in the Air? Future Research Strategies to Assess Aerosols in Dentistry

Abstract

The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused major disruption in global health care delivery. In March 2020, based upon guidance from the American Dental Association and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dental procedures in the United States were limited to emergent and urgent care. Establishment of an airborne route of transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has highlighted the potential risks associated with aerosol-generating dental procedures (AGDPs) during the provision of dental care. It has also served to open the door on novel research avenues that could have a meaningful downstream effect on the practice of dentistry and could enhance current infection control and prevention practices. This commentary seeks to identify gaps in our current knowledge regarding airborne disease transmission in dental practice and to draw attention to potential research questions regarding dental aerosols and their potential to cause disease. Knowledge Transfer Statement: Recent reports on the airborne transmission of respiratory diseases, including COVID-19, have highlighted a need for investigation of dental aerosols and their infectious potential.