During an infectious outbreak, which adjustment to dental infection control is recommended?

• A. Screen for symptoms, use enhanced PPE (N95), improve ventilation, postpone elective procedures.
• B. Intensified disinfection and always performing elective procedures.
• C. Ignore symptoms and proceed as normal.
• D. Decrease ventilation to limit airflow.

Answer: (D)

During an infectious outbreak, reducing transmission relies on air quality and layered protection. A comprehensive approach in dental settings includes screening patients for symptoms, using enhanced PPE such as N95 respirators when aerosols are possible, increasing ventilation to dilute and remove airborne contaminants, and postponing elective procedures to minimize exposure. Intensified disinfection helps, but it isn’t enough on its own to address airborne transmission. Decreasing ventilation would reduce air exchange, allowing aerosols to accumulate and heighten risk for both staff and patients. So the recommended adjustment is to boost ventilation while maintaining strong PPE use and patient management strategies.