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!
We recently received, here at Dental Advisor, Whip Mix Face Shields and Ear Defenders. According to Whip Mix, as a manufacturer that sells 3D printers and print materials, they have developed a way to make autoclavable headbands for face shields and ear savers for face masks (Ear Defenders).
They are currently offering .STL files that you can download free of charge from their blog. These files can then be sent to your to your dental lab for fabrication (Provided they have 3D printers and the proper autoclavable materials). Costs of having these materials printed varies per dental lab. The template for cutting the visor is on their blog as well.
We recently received iShield (Pac-Dent) disposable face shields. These are lightweight face shields with foam at the forehead of the headband. The shield is coated with an anti-fog coating.
iShield face shield being worn over loupes
Initial Insights
What were the thoughts of the Initial Insights Team?
Elastic did not pull on my head like other brands but was not too loose.
Height of this shield over the band is nice.
What do our Clinical Evaluators and their patients think about this product once it’s used in their offices? Look for a possible clinical evaluation in an upcoming issue!
We recently received iVisor (Pac-Dent). This is a light-weight, reusable visor with a fog-resistant shield that is reusable or disposable after use. The shield seems to fit well over loupes (see images below).
Initial Insights
What were the thoughts of the Dental Advisor Initial Insights Team?
It was nice that it came with some extra shields.
When I disinfected, it didn’t streak like some of my other shields.
This was extremely comfortable and didn’t pinch.
Watch for more this product in a future issue of Dental Advisor.
Finding the right glove can be a challenge. At the end of the day you don’t want to feel like you have been wearing gloves all day. You don’t want dry skin and sore muscles from a constant pull. Here at Dental Advisor, we recently received MICROFLEX NEOSOFT gloves (Ansell). According to the manufacturer these gloves:
Feature HYDRASOFT™ Technology to rehydrate dry and cracked skin and improve overall skin condition
Soft material provides wearers exceptional comfort and ease of use
Neoprene formulation and textured fingers deliver a secure, reliable wet grip
Ultra-lightweight design for enhanced tactile sensitivity
What were the Initial Insights of the Dental Advisor team and our editorial board? – Light weight material for good tactile feel. How will evaluators feel about the tactile feel once they are handling instruments? – One board member who is recently retired commented that these felt much better and fit better than any gloves he had ever used while practicing. – Long cuffs noticed immediately by Editorial Board members. Nice for good infection control. – Editorial Board members felt like their hands were softer after taking these off; however, there was a slight odor.
What do our Clinical Evaluators and their patients think about this product once it’s used in their offices? Look for a possible clinical evaluation in an upcoming issue!
