title: Dissemination of aerosol and splatter during ultrasonic scaling: a pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Routine dental procedures produce aerosol and splatter, which pose a potential risk to the clinician and dental personnel, as well as the immunocompromised patient. Reports indicate that the ultrasonic scaler is the greatest producer of aerosol and splatter.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The study aimed to evaluate the contamination distance, contamination amount and contamination duration of aerosol produced during ultrasonic scaling.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was performed on a mannequin fitted with phantom jaws on a dental chair. Mock scaling was done for 15 min using an auto-tuned magnetostrictive ultrasonic scaler with the simultaneous use of a low volume saliva ejector. An ultrafiltrate-containing fluorescent dye was used in the reservoir supplying the scaler unit. Filter paper discs were placed in different positions and distances in the operatory. Immediately following scaling, the filter paper discs were replaced with new ones. This was done every 30 min for a total duration of 90 min.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Maximum contamination was found on the right arm of the operator and left arm of the assistant. Contamination was also found on the head, chest and inner surface of the face mask of the operator and of the assistant. The aerosol was found to remain in the air up to 30 min after scaling.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The occupational health hazards of dental aerosols can be minimized by following simple, inexpensive precautions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, KLE Society's Institute of Dental Sciences, Bangalore, India. Electronic address: drveenahr@gmail.com.
authors.forename: H R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Veena
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, MS Ramaiah Dental College, Bangalore, India.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mahantesha
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, KLE Society's Institute of Dental Sciences, Bangalore, India.
authors.forename: Preethi A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Joseph
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, KLE Society's Institute of Dental Sciences, Bangalore, India.
authors.forename: Sudhir R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Patil
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, Maratha Mandal Dental College, Belgaum, India.
authors.forename: Suvarna H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Patil
mesh_terms: D000336:Aerosols; D003729:Dental Care / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013010:Sonication; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D000336:Aerosols
keywords: Aerosol; Aerosol contamination in dentistry; Dental unit water lines; Infection control; Splatter; Ultrasonic scaling