What should be used in the operatory to control bio-aerosol generation?

The High-Volume Evacuator (HVE) is the most effective tool for controlling bio-aerosol generation in a dental operatory. During various dental procedures, particularly those involving high-speed handpieces, significant quantities of aerosols and splatter can be produced. These aerosols may contain microorganisms and potentially harmful substances, posing a risk of infection transmission.

The HVE works by sucking up the aerosols and debris created during dental procedures, significantly reducing their presence in the air. This not only protects the dental team and patients from airborne contaminants but also helps maintain a cleaner and safer working environment. Implementing the use of HVE is a recognized part of infection control practices in dental settings, ensuring compliance with health regulations and guidelines aimed at minimizing infection risks.

Other options, while they may have some role in infection control, do not address bio-aerosol generation as effectively as the High-Volume Evacuator. For instance, aerosol masks can provide some level of protection for the dental personnel but do not reduce the aerosols generated in the operatory itself. Handpieces alone simply create the aerosols without any mechanism for capturing them, and patient aprons are primarily used for radiation protection rather than for controlling airborne particles. Thus, the High-