FDS Dean responds to publication of SDCEP rapid review of aerosol generating procedures

The Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons of England have today welcomed the publication by the Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP) of a 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.

As part of its response to the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, Public Health England (PHE) stipulate infection prevention and control (IPC) protocols that are required to safely deliver dental care, some of which relate to the use of aerosol generating procedures (AGPs). AGPs are procedures where, due to the instruments used (i.e. powered by air compressor), there is a high risk of creating aerosols.

Dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery, Mr Matthew Garret welcomed the review publication, saying:

“The Faculty welcomes the timely publication of this report in making clearer the impact of AGPs and their role in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. While this review and its recommendations do not have the status of guidance, it remains an important step in creating a fuller evidence base to inform future guidance. As we continue to resume dental care, it is vital that policy making is able to be backed up by evidence, to keep both patients and dental surgeons safe.”

Notes to editors

The Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons of England is committed to enabling dentists and specialists to provide patients with the highest possible standards of practice and care.

The Royal College of Surgeons of England is a professional membership organisation and registered charity, which exists to advance surgical standards and improve patient care.

For more information, please contact the RCS Press Office:

• Telephone: 020 7869 6047/6052
• Email: pressoffice@rcseng.ac.uk
• For out-of-hours media enquiries: 020 7869 6056