It’s hard to imagine a time when dentistry was performed without the required use of personal protective equipment (PPE)—but this was the case until a few decades ago. Since 1991, dental personnel have been required to wear gloves, protective eyewear, masks, and gowns. 

Since then, there has been continuous innovation within PPE for dentistry. Here’s what dental clinics should know about the latest innovations in dental PPE and the impact that these advancements have on dental practices.

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The Benefits of Proper Use of PPE for Dental Practices

Dental professionals are at high risk of coming in contact with harmful microorganisms. Every day, they are exposed to bodily fluids and other potentially infectious materials. Prior to the mandated use of PPE, a study found that

“67% of all materials sent from dental offices to dental laboratories sampled in four cities were contaminated with bacteria of varying degrees of opportunistic pathogenicity.” 

The use of gloves, eye protection, masks, and gowns helps defend dental professionals from cross-contamination and the spread of infection. According to the CDC, these protective barriers are key to reducing blood exposure. They also protect patients from harmful microorganisms, thus supporting well-being and good patient outcomes. 

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The Role of Innovation in Dental PPE

Good PPE design encourages compliance. When PPE is designed with both safety and comfort in mind, workers are more likely to use it correctly and continuously. Uncomfortable PPE, on the other hand, makes it less appealing to wear, increasing the risk of infection.

Just as dentistry evolves, the PPE industry has innovated to provide better options. New materials in PPE design offer better protection, comfort, and sustainability. These innovations include using softer, biodegradable, antimicrobial, sustainable, and stronger materials—so dental professionals don’t have to choose between reliability and comfort.

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Innovative PPE Features for Dental Professionals

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Medical Face Masks

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When selecting face masks for your dental practice, start by looking for a well-fitting yet durable face mask with a flexible nosepiece, breathable inner layer materials, and soft ear loops or surgical ties.

Here are other innovative features to consider:

• Anti-fog: Masks with anti-fog foam liners prevent vapour from escaping through gaps at the top of the mask to provide optical clarity for users wearing a shield, visor, goggles, or glasses. 

• Antimicrobial features: Face masks designed with antimicrobial features better protect individuals by reducing the transmission of pathogens between wearers, the environment, and others.

• Ear Loops: Modern masks come in a variety of loop lengths including regular, long, and extra-long to relieve ear discomfort. Look for ones with thicker, ultra-soft ear loops that improve comfort for wearers.

• Sustainability: As innovation continues to progress, sustainability will increasingly become a bigger factor for dental practices when selecting PPE. It is important that these materials maintain wearer protection while reducing harm to the environment.

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Understanding ASTM

Look for masks that not only meet but exceed ASTM standards for protection but also Delta P - breathability.

• ASTM F2100 LEVEL 1: Used in areas where there is a low risk of spray or splash. Can also be used for respiratory etiquette to help contain droplets from coughs or sneezes. 

• ASTM F2100 LEVEL 2: Used in areas where there is a moderate risk of spray or splash.

• ASTM F2100 LEVEL 3: Used in areas where there is a high risk of spray or splash. 

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Did you know? At PRIMED, we manufacture 11 different types of medical face masks for use in dentists’ offices.

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Examination Gloves

When sourcing examination gloves for your dental practice, look for ones manufactured using durable yet comfortable materials. The right examination gloves allow dental professionals to execute tasks knowing they are protected without compromise.

Here are some innovative features to consider when selecting gloves for your dental practice:

• Drug protection: Modern gloves can offer premium protection against certain drugs (e.g Fentanyl and chemotherapy drugs). 

• Accelerator-free: Chemical accelerators are often used to stabilize molecules to form strong and durable nitrile gloves, but they are also known to cause Type IV hypersensitivity reactions like contact dermatitis or skin irritation in a small proportion of the population. Accelerator-free nitrile gloves remove these chemicals without affecting their performance, therefore reducing the potential for these reactions to occur and making them a great option for people with sensitive skin.

• Antimicrobial features: Look for gloves with a special formulation on the outside that provides an active layer of defence against microbes by continuously inhibiting their growth on the glove's surface.

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Medical Gowns

Medical gowns should offer a balance between protection and comfort. This typically means they should have a lightweight feel while using thoroughly tested materials to ensure protection against fluid exposure. 

Here are some factors to consider when choosing gowns for your dental practice:

• Thumb loops with elastic cuffs: This feature keeps sleeves in place beneath examination gloves, maintaining full coverage of arms and wrists. 

• Tearable neck closures:  These offer a quick doffing method which additionally eliminates the need to raise soiled hands towards the neck and face. 

• Patented welded elastic in the wrist: This feature avoids unnecessary pinholes in the cuff created by traditional sewn elastics while also creating a more secure fit.

• Land bridge neck connection: Gowns with full back coverage and an overhead neck connection can withstand clinical day-to-day movements and doff cleanly every single time.

• Strategic seam placement: Strategic seam placement can reduce the risk of tearing in critical areas. For example, by removing a seam across the top of the shoulder, this reduces the possibility of tearing this area during doffing.

• Vacuum packaging: Smaller case sizes decrease shipping and storage costs, while also saving valuable space in a dental office.

Well-designed masks, gloves, and gowns are needed by dental professionals to ensure comfort, compliance, and safety. Whether you need an anti-fog foam mask for a clear line of sight or gloves with protection against chemotherapy drugs, PRIMED has many innovative options to ensure dental professionals are ready to safely care for any patient.

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Want to learn more about how PRIMED can support your dental practice? Book a call with our team today.

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