Respirator and Surgical MaskGuidelines in Dental Settings During COVID-19

We all know that the CDC is one of the most reliable sources for information on health. They work hard to monitor and study various diseases, treatments, etc., making sure we are kept up-to-date with any changes in recommendations or new findings. Recently they published a scientific brief about cloth masks which can help reduce transmission rates during SARS outbreaks. In order to be effective against this virus type it has been found that these types of masks must have an N95 rating (or higher), contain some form of wet material such as gauze soaked in disinfectant solution and fit snugly around your face without touching uninfected individuals nearby.

What are respirators and surgical masks? 

Respirators are designed to help reduce the wearer’s respiratory exposure to airborne contaminants such as particles, gases or vapors. Respirators and filters must be selected based on the hazards present. They come in various sizes and styles with different levels of protection depending on what is needed for your specific application. A proper seal between a person’s face (the user) and their respirator forces inhaled air to be pulled through the resin material thereby providing them adequate protection from these harmful substances that could otherwise pose serious health risks if not contained.

A surgical mask is an important part of any medical professional’s kit. They are designed to help prevent contamination and can be used in a variety of situations, from brain surgery to assisting at childbirth or performing CPR on someone who has been injured. A properly fitted face shield provides respiratory protection as well as eye protection for the wearer by providing a barrier against hazardous materials that might enter through small openings such as mouth or nose gaps.

In dental environments, surgical dental masks are commonly used to protect against splatter, droplets, and routine procedural exposure, offering a basic level of filtration suitable for non–aerosol-generating tasks.

When should a dental professional wear a respirator or surgical mask?

As health professionals, dentists are amongst the front line of defense against infectious diseases. Dentists must follow strict standards to protect themselves and their patients from any potential harm that might be done by contact with contaminated instruments or body fluids such as bloods and saliva. A mask for dentists is selected based on the type of procedure and anticipated exposure. The appropriate dentist masks must maintain a secure fit and meet CDC filtration guidance, especially during aerosol-producing procedures.

Dentists are required to follow strict safety standards in order to keep themselves and their patients safe. For example, dentistry is not only for those with infectious diseases because operators and patients can be asymptomatic carriers of the microorganisms that could affect anyone else while receiving dental care so it is imperative that they wear their respirator mask in the entire patient care schedule.

Guidelines specify what level mask a dental hygienist should wear, typically ASTM Level 2 or Level 3 for routine procedures, while higher-filtration options may be required for aerosol-generating tasks. OSHA also outlines what level mask is required for dental environments depending on procedure risk.

When airborne infection isolation precautions are necessary, a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-certified particulate-filter respirator should be used. Most surgical masks do not meet the requirements to protect you adequately from exposure to COVID-19 patients; they also don’t satisfy OSHA‘s standards of respiratory protection. However, certain surgical masks that match NIOSH specifications may work as well as airtight filter mask when it comes down to preventing an airborne virus like COVID-19 from spreading in dental settings with susceptible people who need medical treatment. This type of device provides surgery respirator protection, allowing dental teams to maintain safety standards when procedures create airborne hazards.

Only a properly tested COVID-19 filtered mask or coronavirus filter mask can offer the level of particle reduction required for aerosol-generating dental procedures. When selected appropriately, a coronavirus safety mask contributes to reduced environmental contamination and better staff protection.

Standards and guidelines for dental professionals include the use of respirators and surgical masks to help prevent cross-contamination, infection, and adverse events. Hayes Handpiece Repair USA offers comprehensive training on all aspects of dental guidelines and infection control.


Using the correct type of dental mask is an essential part of maintaining infection control. High-quality dental face masks support routine procedures while ensuring compliance with OSHA and CDC expectations. 

Modern dental infection prevention masks are designed to reduce exposure to droplets, bioaerosols, and respiratory particles created during patient treatment.

To learn more visit the links below:

• CDC Dental Guidelines and Infection Control
• Dental Handpiece Sterilization and Equipment Maintenance
• Dental OSHA Training
• Dental HIPAA Training
• CE Credits In-House Training