It is still controversial but there is growing concern over possible airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2.4,5,6,7 Although there has been much written about possible spread of COVID-19 through aerosols generated in the dental surgery, reviews of the evidence show there is little directly relating to respiratory viruses, despite over 70 years of research into bio-aerosols in dental settings.8,9,10,11 Studies of microbial content of aerosols and splatter generated during dental procedures have mostly involved aerobic bacteria.9,10,11,12,13,14,15 Viral studies are sparse, focusing on blood-borne HIV and hepatitis B.8,16 This limits confidence in the assumptions around transmission of SARS-CoV-2 during dental treatment.