The iVisor™ Loupe Visor by Pac-Dent is an adjustable visor and shield kit that is designed to fit over glasses, loupes, and a light. The visor is compatible with a mini shield that rests above the large air vents, and a light-cure filter can be adhered to the shield at eye-level. Available in 6 colors and 3 sizes (small, medium [standard size], and large). Shields are reusable and can be easily replaced when they get scratched.
Initial Insights
What were some of the thoughts of the Dental Advisor Initial Insights Team?
Extremely comfortable, I wear it all day with no discomfort!
Adjustable strap allows it to be tightened so it won’t slip if you bend over to see at a tough angle.
The mini-shield above makes you feel extra-protected but still leaves the air vents open so it is more breathable.
Accommodates loupes and lights very well, but the larger loupes, especially the flip-up ones with the light attached to the flip-up, may not fit as easily under these.
Keep an eye out for this product in an upcoming issue of DENTAL ADVISOR!
The 3M™ Versaflo™ PAPR is a powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) that offers an alternative to N95 respirators. The air pump is worn around the waist and attaches to a hood via a flexible tube. Air flows from the pump into the hood, inflating it and defogging the clear shield at its front. It is designed to keep the user’s face cool and allow for a wide view of their work area. There are two options for hoods/headpieces, with or without a shroud, and two sizes, small/medium or large in the non-shrouded headpiece.
Non-shrouded headpiece
Shrouded hood
Initial Insights
Compared to other PAPRs I’ve worn, this was much lighter. I didn’t feel a strain on my neck.
It’s a much more comfortable alternative to the N95. If I had to choose an N95 or this, I’d choose this in a heartbeat.
Position the battery pack to the side if you have a stool with a backrest.
I’m not sure yet of the practicality in a busy hygiene schedule.
Keep an eye out for this product in a future issue of DENTAL ADVISOR!
The Attest™ Mini Auto-Reader by 3M™ is an automated, 24-minute biological indicator reader with a new small footprint and just 4 wells. It is designed to test sterilization processes at 270°F and 275°F. A color-changing indicator on the cap of the appropriate biological indicator (BI) vials shows whether the sterilization device exposed its contents to steam. To test whether the sterilization was biologically successful, the vial is activated by “cracking” it with the handheld device and then placing it into the automated reader. In 24 minutes, it returns with a reading that indicates if the sterilization was successful; a “-” indicates a success, and a “+” indicates a failure.
Attest Mini Auto-Reader
Loading the BI into the sterilization unit
“Cracking” the BI
“Cracking” the BI
BI loaded into the Attest Mini with 24 minutes remaining
Negative result on the Attest Mini (Success!)
Initial Insights
The reader is very sleek; it looks like it’d fit in anywhere.
The process is straight forward and easy.
It’s especially important right now to know our autoclave is functioning, so having to wait only 24 minutes is much better than 48 hours or more.
I really liked the countdown timer; I don’t have to set any alarms or watch the clock.
Keep an eye out for this product in an upcoming issue of DENTAL ADVISOR!
Aerosol Assist is a hands-free suction device designed to reduce aerosols during dental procedures while acting as a high volume suction. There is space for a typical saliva ejector (SE) tip, and the “funnel” is designed to capture aerosols during the procedure. Once it is attached to HVE, it is placed in the patient’s mouth against the cheek; be sure to avoid leaning it against the patient’s teeth. After use the device is rinsed, cleaned with a tube-brush, and then autoclaved before reuse.
Our team tried out the prototype; what is pictured is not the final product.
Device placed in patient’s mouth
Device placed against cheek, not touching any teeth
Aerosol Assist with a green SE tip
Aerosol Assist set up in an operatory
Aerosol Assist with a pink SE tip
Initial Insights
The Aerosol Assist allowed me to retract with a mirror while scaling and it took care of all the suction on its own.
Very strong suction, my patient said it felt like it even dried out her entire mouth.
It didn’t feel like saliva pooled at all, even on the opposite side.
Super easy setup.
Keep an eye out for this product in an upcoming issue of DENTAL ADVISOR!
Miracle Suction is part of a kit that was created to confront the problem of not having enough hands. The colorful mirrors attach directly to standard HVE handpieces and have small holes in the side and bottom surfaces of the head, designed to eliminate the need for separate mirror and suction. Each reflective surface is anti-fog and autoclavable for ease of use and cleaning.
Brief retraction and suction with Miracle Suction
Mirror head surfaces displaying suction holes
Suction of water out of a cup
Initial Insights
The colors might make it fun for kids especially.
It suctions very well, especially considering it has to be used as a mirror the entire time.
It could do with more sizes to connect with the HVE more accurately.
I found it easiest to use when I periodically dipped the mirror down to suction pools of saliva.
Keep an eye out to see this device in a coming issue of The Dental Advisor!
