(PO107) Aerosol Transmission Detection During Endodontic Procedures Utilizing a Polyethylene Shield

Abstract: Aerosol generation from dental procedures has been of utmost concern since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. One way to manage the transmission of aerosols between the provider and patient at RSDM is the utilization of polyethylene shields on the dental operator microscope. This pilot study aimed to visualize aerosol transmission between the patient and provider with and without the use of polyethylene during endodontic treatment. Disclosing agent was integrated into the water reserve attached to the high-speed handpiece. Twenty-four 20 mm diameter circular filter papers were placed on the polyethylene shield. Two papers were placed on the operator’s forehead and mask, and three were placed on the mannequin’s forehead. Access cavities were prepared on 24 typodont teeth using a rubber dam by a right-handed operator. The experimental groups were divided into sextants. The shield was changed after access cavities were completed on each sextant. The remaining second molars were used as controls without the shield present. The percentage of filter paper covered was used to determine aerosol generation. The percentage of filter paper staining was significantly correlated to location (p < .001, Pearson Correlation test), with maxillary anteriors having the most staining and mandibular left posterior the least staining. Although the shield does offer some form of protection against aerosols, more studies using human teeth should be conducted to examine clinically significant variables that a typodont cannot provide.