SDCEP Rapid Review on Mitigation of Aerosol Generating Procedures in Dentistry published

Today the Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP) published their rapid review of the evidence related to the generation and mitigation of aerosols in dental practice and the associated risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Significant support for the review was provided by Cochrane Oral Health, a key partner in the project.

The review is now available to download from the SDCEP website.

SDCEP convened a multidisciplinary Working Group comprising subject specialists from disciplines including particle physics, aerobiology and clinical virology, in addition to those performing multiple roles within dentistry. Representatives from all four of the devolved UK nations participated in the work of the Group.

The review was completed online in 13 weeks following a robust process detailed in the accompanying methodology document. This included considered judgment of the evidence, assessed in the context of the balance of benefits and harms, acceptability and feasibility of the proposed intervention in order to reach a number of agreed positions.

The agreed position statements presented in the document are based on the evidence available at the time of publication. SDCEP highlighted their gratitude to members of the research community who shared their unpublished recent findings. In view of the constantly evolving situation, it is intended that this is a living document and the Working Group will continue to meet as necessary to assess new evidence to maintain currency of the document.  

It is important to stress that this rapid review  does not have the status of guidance. It is provided primarily for use by policy makers and those who are developing clinical guidance relevant to dental care delivery during the COVID- 19 pandemic.

The Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP) operates within NHS Education for Scotland and aims to support dental teams to provide quality dental care.