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Infection Control · patient case question

Which measure most effectively reduces aerosol contamination during dental procedures?

Patient case: Counselling, implant planning and occlusal vertical dimension

Scenario: Four items.

  1. Preprocedural mouth rinse alone
  2. Rubber dam isolation combined with high-volume evacuation
  3. A surgical mask worn by the operator
  4. Increasing the distance between operator and patient
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Rubber dam isolation combined with high-volume evacuation

  • A. A preprocedural rinse lowers the microbial load of the aerosol but does not reduce its volume, and the effect is modest.
  • B. Correct. Rubber dam eliminates saliva from the aerosol at source, and high-volume evacuation captures the great majority of what is generated. Together they are the most effective engineering control available.
  • C. A mask is personal protective equipment — it protects the individual wearing it but does nothing to reduce the aerosol produced.
  • D. Distance is impractical during operative treatment and does not address the source.

Note: This follows the hierarchy of controls: elimination and engineering controls outrank administrative measures, and PPE sits at the bottom.

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