The Protection Pack (Zirc) is a sample package of isolation products. This pack has a variety of products including:
Pink Petal: attaches to your existing saliva ejector and when placed in the patient’s buccal vestibule, the Pink Petal holds the saliva ejector in place.
Insta-Dam: dental dams with a built in frame and a single pre-punched hole. Two non-latex versions included: the regular and relaxed fit.
Mr. Thirsty: one-step product that provides hands-free retraction, isolation, and high-volume suction all in one device.
SE Cushion: cushion that slides over existing saliva ejector for comfort, to prevent tissue grab by the suction, and to quiet noise.
Zirc Protection Pack
Pink Petal
Insta-Dams
Insta-Dam
SE Cushion
Mr. Thirsty
Initial Insights
A great way to try all of the Zirc isolation devices and decide which products might work best in your office.
The relaxed insta-dam is great for reaching posterior teeth but can be a little too relaxed depending on the size of the patient’s mouth.
It is nice how the pink petal sits in the cheek and holds the suction all in one.
Mr. Thirsty is an easy all-in-one suction, isolation, and retraction device great for working alone or as an adjunct to having an assistant, but can be a bit of a mouthful for the patient, especially a gagger.
Keep an eye out to see this device in a coming issue of The Dental Advisor!
We recently received a level 1 reusable barrier protection gown made from Milliken Medical Barrier Fabrics (Milliken Textiles). These gowns are made in the USA and available in three different levels of fluid resistance (levels 1-3) meeting ANSI/AAMI PB70 standards.
Initial Insights
What are the thoughts of the Dental Advisor Initial Insights Team?
Great coverage. Even when sitting down the gown goes down mid-shin length (shown above – operator shown is 5’9″).
Only available in one size (one size fits most) that would be quite large on smaller frames.
Open back adds breath-ability.
Very comfortable, sturdy cloth material that is washable and reusable.
Would like cloth cuffs rather than elastic for added coverage, but arm length allowed for coverage.
Heavy duty material, but might get hot after a long day.
Keep an eye out to see this product in a coming issue of The Dental Advisor!
Ergonomic Product Safe-T-Shield™ is intended for use as a barrier between patient and clinician, capturing aerosol and spatter that gets past the HVE. It consists of a wheeled machine that is placed to the side of the patient, and a moveable arm that arches over the chair to hold the shield between the patient and clinician.
Safe-T-Shield™ in an operatory prior to patient use
Safe-T-Shield™ in use during a clinical study
Initial Insights
Patient Comment: “Having this shield over my face didn’t noticeably affect my visit. I could hear it but it wasn’t unlike any other procedure.”
Clinician Comment: “A 45° or 90° HVE tip fits very well under the shield.”
We recently received Purple Tip (Purple Dental). This unique product connects to a standard high volume evacuation (HVE) line and provides suction while retracting the cheek and tongue.
Initial Insights
What were thoughts of the Dental Advisor Initial Insights team?
Innovative way to help retract the cheek and tongue while providing suction.
You either need to hold it yourself or have the patient hold it to help keep it in place while working.
Provides retraction for about three posterior teeth at a time.
Very rigid.
We liked the fact that it connects to an existing HVE line and does not require any special tubing.
Keep an eye out to see this device in a coming issue of Dental Advisor!
We recently received ZShield Wrap (ZShield). This uniquely designed face shield is worn around the neck rather than being worn on the head. It adjusts to multiple angles, including an “idle state” where it flips all the way down (see image below).
ZShield Wrap flipped down to “idle state”
ZShield Wrap being worn by a dentist
ZShield Wrap adjusted to comfortably look down while adjusting a crown
Initial Insights
What were thoughts from the Dental Advisor Initial Insights team?
In dentistry, the aerosols and splatter we are generating come from a patient we are looking at in a downward direction. The way this shield is angled could make a lot of sense for dentistry.
The shield moves around a bit on your neck as you move.
It feels very breathable. You don’t feel closed in, but you feel like you have a barrier between yourself and the patient.
Although it is light, after wearing it a while I noticed the weight on my neck.
Could be a great shield to wear doing lab work.
Keep an eye out to see this device in a coming issue of The Dental Advisor!
Genius Shield (BriteHive Solutions) is an innovative combination shield and vacuum with an inverted design and optional drape. It is designed to shield dental professionals from overspray and spatter generated by AGP (aerosol generating procedures).
Initial Insights
Patient comment: “The suction power seemed very effective, I was very surprised! I didn’t notice any droplets or spatter on my face. The shield is large enough where I did not feel contained or claustrophobic.”
Hygienist comment: “I expected this to get in my visual field and complicate things. It didn’t. I also was concerned for my patient but he didn’t experience any issues at all.”
Doctor comment: “The suction on this is amazing! I could easily work without my assistant if necessary.”
Dental Advisor will be testing this device against traditional HVE without a shield. Stay tuned to Dental Advisor for the full test results!
