New Delhi: As Delhi-NCR grapples with a gradual rise in COVID-19 cases—23 new infections in the capital this week and four in Ghaziabad—dental clinics are navigating renewed challenges in balancing patient care with stringent infection control. The resurgence, attributed to Omicron sub-variants JN.1, LF.7, and NB.1.8.1, has reignited concerns over aerosol-driven transmission during routine dental procedures, from ultrasonic scaling to implant surgeries. While health authorities emphasize that cases remain mild, the dental community is doubling down on protocols to mitigate risks. Among them, Dental Park Ghaziabad, a multi-specialty center, has emerged as a model for integrating global guidelines with localized adaptations, ensuring patient safety without compromising care quality.
The Surge: Context and Concerns
The Delhi government’s recent advisory urging hospitals to prepare beds, oxygen, and vaccines reflects a cautious approach to the uptick. Nationwide, active cases have risen to 257, with clusters reported in Kerala (273 cases), Mumbai (95), and Bengaluru (32). The JN.1 variant dominates at 53% of sequenced samples, while LF.7 and NB.1.8.1—classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “Variants Under Monitoring”—have been detected in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
Dental settings remain high-risk environments due to aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs), which disperse saliva, blood, and pathogens into the air. Studies show that ultrasonic scalers emit up to 4.18×10⁸ particles per cubic meter, with droplets traveling up to 1.2 meters without suction.
“The current variants are highly transmissible but not necessarily severe,” says Dr. Aakash Arora, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon. “However, dental clinics must remain vigilant. Aerosols from procedures like scaling or root canals can linger in poorly ventilated spaces, increasing exposure risks for both patients and staff.”
Procedures Under the Microscope: Risks and Mitigation
- Ultrasonic Scaling and Polishing
Scaling, a routine procedure to remove plaque, is among the largest aerosol generators. Without high-volume suction (HVS), particles can travel over a meter, contaminating surfaces and air. A 2022 simulation study found that HVS reduces aerosol spread by 93% when combined with intraoral isolation devices. At Dental Park Ghaziabad, dual suction systems (325 L/min) and pre-procedural antimicrobial mouth rinses—shown to lower microbial load by 50%—are standard. “We also stagger appointments to allow 30 minutes between patients for air clearance,” explains Dr. Jaisika Rajpal, Chief Dentist at the clinic.
The clinic’s operatory design further minimizes risks. Negative-pressure ventilation systems, which replace air every six minutes, ensure aerosols are expelled directly outdoors. Additionally, UV-C lights disinfect surfaces within 15 minutes post-procedure, a measure validated by a 2023 study on splatter reduction during extractions.
- Root Canal Treatment (RCT)
Endodontic procedures, particularly pulpectomy, generate aerosols that may carry pathogens into the operatory air. A 2021 study linked delayed COVID-19 complications in patients post-RCT to aerosol exposure. To counter this, Dental Park mandates rubber dams for all RCTs, isolating the treatment area and reducing saliva aerosolization by 80%. Medical-grade air purifiers with ULPA filters refresh operatory air every 10 minutes, a protocol exceeding CDC recommendations for ventilation.
Dr. Jaisika notes, “Our staff wears N95 respirators and face shields during AGPs, aligning with CDC guidelines for high-risk settings. For immunocompromised patients, we schedule procedures during off-peak hours to minimize cross-contamination.”
- Crowns, Bridges, and Implants
While crown preparations produce fewer aerosols than scaling, the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from drills can penetrate standard masks. Dental Park uses “no-air” handpieces to minimize aerosol generation and HVE attachments to capture debris at the source. For implants, which involve bone drilling, the clinic employs surgical tenting devices and mandates pre-operative COVID-19 screening for elective cases.
A 2022 PMC study highlighted that PM2.5 levels during crown preps spike by 300% without HVE, underscoring the need for rigorous suction. The clinic’s HVAC systems, equipped with HEPA filters, achieve 10 air changes per hour—a benchmark for reducing airborne viral load.
- Extractions
Though extractions are less aerosol-intensive, splatter remains a concern. During the pandemic, 68% of emergency extractions were linked to delayed care due to patient fears. Dental Park addresses this by prioritizing urgent cases in negative-pressure rooms, where UV-C lights disinfect surfaces within 15 minutes post-procedure. Staff adheres to “double-masking” protocols—a surgical mask layered under an N95—for added protection during splatter-prone interventions.
Dental Park Ghaziabad’s Multi-Layered Defense
Amid the surge, Dental Park has implemented a protocol exceeding CDC and WHO standards:
- Advanced Filtration: HVAC systems with HEPA filters ensure 99.97% particle removal, while real-time air quality monitors track PM levels.
- Staggered Scheduling: Patients are spaced 30 minutes apart to allow aerosol settling and deep cleaning.
- PPE Rigor: N95 respirators, fluid-resistant gowns, and face shields are mandatory for all aerosol-generating procedures.
- Vaccination Mandate: All staff are booster-vaccinated, aligning with CDC guidelines to reduce severe outcomes.
“Safety isn’t optional—it’s foundational,” asserts Dr. Aakash Arora. “Our operatories are designed to parallel hospital-grade infection control, from negative-pressure isolation rooms to UV-C sterilization.”
The clinic also employs pre-procedural mouthrinses containing cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), reducing viral load in saliva by 70%. A 2020 PMC study confirmed that such rinses lower SARS-CoV-2 transmission risks during AGPs, a practice now endorsed by the ADA.
Broader Implications for Dental Care
The current surge underscores systemic challenges. Many patients postponed routine care during earlier waves, leading to complex cases requiring riskier procedures. “Preventive care is crucial,” notes Dr. Jaisika R Arora. “Clinics that minimize aerosol exposure through engineering controls can reduce backlogged cases.”
The CDC’s revised guidelines, which now recommend avoiding AGPs only for confirmed COVID-19 patients, have empowered clinics to resume elective care cautiously. However, disparities persist. Smaller clinics often lack resources for HEPA filters or negative-pressure rooms, relying instead on makeshift barriers and natural ventilation.
Dental Park’s approach offers a blueprint for scalability. By partnering with HVAC specialists, the clinic retrofitted its ventilation system at a fraction of the cost of new construction. “Investing in air quality isn’t just about compliance—it’s about patient trust,” Dr. Arora adds.
Patient Vigilance and Community Response
Health experts urge patients to verify clinic safety measures before booking. Key indicators include:
- Use of high-volume suction during procedures.
- Availability of pre-appointment symptom screening.
- Visible air filtration systems and staggered scheduling.
“Don’t delay essential care,” emphasizes Dr. Aakash Arora. “Clinics like Dental Park – Dental & Maxillofacial Centre demonstrate that with robust protocols, dental treatments need not be a transmission risk.”
Patients like Riya Kapoor, who recently underwent an implant procedure at Dental Park, echo this sentiment. “I was nervous, but the staff explained every precaution—from the air purifiers to their vaccination status. It felt safer than my grocery store.”
Looking Ahead: Lessons from the Frontlines
The Delhi-NCR surge offers critical lessons for future respiratory outbreaks. Clinics investing in ventilation upgrades, staff training, and patient education have reported lower transmission rates. Dental Park, for instance, conducts monthly drills on PPE use and outbreak response, ensuring readiness for evolving threats.
Emerging technologies like UVC disinfection, which inactivates pathogens by disrupting their DNA, are gaining traction. A 2025 webinar highlighted its potential in dental settings, though clinical studies remain limited. “The pandemic taught us to anticipate, not react,” reflects Dr. Jaisika R Arora. “Whether it’s a new variant or a novel pathogen, our protocols are designed to adapt without compromising care.”
Conclusion
As COVID-19 continues to evolve, dental clinics remain at the forefront of balancing infection control with essential care. For institutions like Dental Park Ghaziabad, the integration of engineering controls, rigorous PPE, and patient-centric scheduling offers a replicable blueprint. In a world where respiratory threats are endemic, such measures aren’t just precautionary—they’re the new standard of care.
With inputs from public health experts and CDC guidelines. Sources cited include peer-reviewed studies from PubMed, PMC, and international journals.