In fact, according to the American Association of Endodontists, “the use of rubber dam is mandatory to avoid microbial contamination of the root canal system during treatment, to retract tissues and protect the patient, prevent aspiration or swallowing of instruments, and limit aerosols.” 1
Even in situations where the use of a dental dam is not explicitly required, the CDC still recommends use of dental dams to lower risk of droplet splatter and aerosol generation even when patients are not suspected to have SARS-CoV-2 infection when using ultrasonic scalers, high-speed dental handpieces, air/ water syringes, air polishing, and air abrasion.2
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1. American Association of Endodontists. (2020). Treatment Standards [White Paper]. American Association of Endodontists. https://www.aae.org/specialty/ wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/04/TreatmentStandards_Whitepaper.pdf
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic, (Sept 2022). Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control-recommendations.html