With current guidelines focused on a PPE-based approach over more effective control measures, many dental professionals are looking for a better, safer approach.
The “Hierarchy of Controls” is based on established safety protocols from The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), part of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Elimination and Substitution are not viable options to keep your practice or office open. Engineering Controls such as the Rhondair’s source capture with air purification is the best option available today.
Notably, PPE controls are considered the least effective.
Request your free copy of the Risk Management Plan template Word doc that you can incorporate into your practice H&S manual.
With the latest research from the University of Florida showing COVID-19 can survive in suspended aerosol particles, it’s now time to rethink effective hazard management.
“This is what people have been clamoring for,” said Linsey Marr, an expert in airborne spread of viruses who was not involved in the work. “It’s unambiguous evidence that there is infectious virus in aerosols.”
Recent revelations in aerosol testing methods by virologists and aerosol scientists have shown that aerosols small enough to stay suspended in the air for hours can still contain viable live virus. These results and a growing body of evidence are now forming to suggest a shift will soon be required in the dental community’s approach to keeping themselves, their staff, and their patients safe.
The full experiment paper also shows a very important finding: The only results outside control samples to show 0 viable virus cells were samples that had been through HEPA filters.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also urge dental practitioners to “Consider the use of a portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) air filtration unit while the patient is undergoing, and immediately following, an aerosol-generating procedure.”
Another key point the CDC emphasises is the need to isolate the patient as much as possible during procedures under filtration: “Position the unit to ensure that it does not pull air into or past the breathing zone of the Dental Healthcare Practitioner.”
The Rhondair’s funnel shape and placement is specifically designed to draw aerosols away from the patient and dental practitioners while providing care.
The Rhondair Aerosol Capture System significantly reduces the transmission risk between the patient and the dentist to contain AGPs at the source, removing them via an industrial-strength fan. A Medical grade H13 HEPA filter captures 99.95% or more of all particles – including the size ranges that viruses, COVID-19, and dental aerosols exist within.
The shield is a single-use item made of type 1 PET plastic and can be easily recycled or disposed of in standard medical waste.
The detachable funnel can be cleaned in an instrument washer, autoclave, or via cold sterilisation.
The hose on the unit can be disinfected and is replaceable.
Certified HEPA filters remove 99.95% or more of all particles – including the size ranges that viruses, COVID-19, and dental aerosols exist within.
Foot pedal allows for hands-free operation.
Powerful fan draws 4000 L/min or 141CFM of airflow, higher than any other available standard aerosol capture unit.
Request your free copy of the Risk Management Plan
template Word doc that you can incorporate into your practice H&S manual.