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. Although there seems to be little supporting evidence for mass transmission of respiratory pathogens through provision of dental care in the past, evidence is still emerging around transmission of this novel virus, where there is no innate immunity in the global population.