Bioaerosol Reduction Using an Air Cleaning System During Dental Procedures

The creation of bioaerosols is a recognised consequence of dental treatment and represents a potential mechanism for the spread of respiratory infections. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the ability of an air cleaning system (IQAir-Flex Vac, Air Sciences, UK) to reduce the bacterial aerosol created by a variety of dental procedures. Methods: Air samples were collected onto blood agar plates using a bioaerosol sampling pump (Model B30120, A.P. Buck Inc, USA) placed in a standard position 20cm from the dental chair. Samples were obtained in three clinics at a non-operational baseline (weekend) and during four dental procedures; conservation (examination and air rotor cavity preparation), periodontology (ultrasonic scaling) and oral surgery (LA extraction). Repeat air sampling was performed for all procedures with and without the air cleaning. Plates were incubated aerobically at 37¢ªC for 48 h. Colonies were identified using standard procedures and growth expressed as cfu/m3. The results were analysed statistically using SPSS 12 and Wilcoxson Signed Rank tests. Results: There was a significant reduction (p < 0·001) in mean cfu/m3 in all three clinics at baseline when the air cleaning was used. The cfu/m3 recorded for each procedure with and without air cleaning was; examination, 23·9 and 62·2 (p = 0·04); cavity preparation, 23·9 and 105·1 (p = 0·02); scaling 41·9 and 70·9 (p = 0·01); extraction, 9·1 and 66·1 (p = 0·01). The predominant isolates were Staphylococcus species and Micrococcus species. Conclusion: It is concluded that the air cleaning system evaluated can significantly reduce the bioaerosol in dental clinics both at baseline and during dental procedures.