Clean air protects the health of patients, staff

The dental workplace can expose dentists, staff, and patients to a wide variety of air pollutants during routine dental work, including infectious aerosol particles from high-speed instruments as well as airborne pathogens like bacteria and viruses. The IQAir Dental Series was specifically developed to provide flexible, effective, and affordable air cleaning solutions for dental offices for infection control, extraoral suction, and easy setup of negative pressure environments.

For dentists, staff, and patients, the execution of dental work and the use of various chemical compounds increase the risk of exposure to a range of potentially harmful airborne contaminants. Especially for dental staff, this exposure to potentially harmful airborne pathogens and pollutants can be significantly higher than that of individuals in most indoor environments.

High-speed drills and ultrasonic scaling equipment usage generates fine droplets and aerosol particles that are light enough to stay airborne for hours. Bacteria and viruses, which are contained in drill aerosols consisting of millions of micro-droplets, are easily inhaled and constitute a potential source of infection.

Improving Air Quality in Dental Practices

A layered air quality strategy is essential to protect patients and staff in all areas of a dental practice—from operatories to waiting rooms.

1. Source Control: Using extraoral suction during procedures captures aerosols and droplets directly at the point of generation. This first line of defense helps prevent airborne bacteria and viruses from spreading.

2. Ventilation: Optimizing HVAC or mechanical ventilation improves air exchange and reduces the concentration of airborne contaminants. This supports consistent air quality throughout enclosed spaces.

3. Air Cleaning: Recirculating air purifiers with HEPA and gas-phase filtration continuously remove fine particles, pathogens, mercury vapor, and chemical fumes—helping maintain a healthier environment all day long.

Extraoral suction: Infection control

Extraoral suction is a critical part of infection control during dental procedures by reducing the amount of infected aerosols and particles that escape the mouth during dental procedures. 

High-speed instruments used for drilling or scaling can produce millions of tiny aerosols and droplets that carry infectious bacterial or viral material. These particles can directly affix themselves to the clothes of dental staff and linger in the air for hours, exposing staff and patients to an increased risk of respiratory infections. 

The most effective infection control in a dental office consists of a high-performance air purifier with source capture using extraoral suction and negative pressure equipment to prevent infectious airborne aerosols from ever leaving the dental operatory.

Aerosolized Biocontaminants

Dental procedures produce aerosolized biocontaminants—tiny droplets that can carry bacteria, viruses, and other harmful pathogens. Generated by high-speed instruments, aerosols can stay airborne for hours and pose an infection risk to staff and patients. 

IQAir’s extraoral suction systems capture contaminants at the source, while advanced HyperHEPA and gas-phase filtration remove particles and gases from the air. Together, these solutions help reduce airborne pollutants by over 90%, supporting a safer and cleaner environment.

Chemical Disinfectants 

Chemical disinfectants in a dental office are responsible for a generally unpleasant odor. Some disinfectants may also cause irritation and may have a sensitizing potential, especially for staff.

IQAir’s extraoral suction systems capture contaminants at the source, while advanced HyperHEPA and gas-phase filtration remove particles and gases from the air. Together, these solutions help reduce airborne pollutants by over 90%, supporting a safer and cleaner environment.

Mercury Vapor

Mercury vapors can be released by the placement and the removal of amalgam fillings. Dental practices that replace amalgams can benefit from IQAir's Hg gas cartridges (mercury gas-phase filtration). 

Quiet Operation

In dental practices, a quiet environment supports both concentration and patient comfort. IQAir systems are built for ultra-low noise performance, helping maintain a peaceful setting without sacrificing power. Whether placed in treatment areas, consultation rooms, or reception spaces, these systems operate discreetly—supporting a calm, professional atmosphere throughout the day.

Control at the source is important

To capture aerosol particles, airborne pathogens, and other pollutants generated by dental work on patients, an air cleaning system with extraction at the source (extraoral suction) and negative pressure equipment should be used. For general air quality improvement, an air cleaning system should be used at central locations within the dental procedure area.

The air cleaning systems should contain high-efficiency particulate filters as well as substantial gas phase filters for mercury vapors, disinfectants, and volatile organic compounds.