In a dental environment, clinicians are consistently exposed to airborne pathogens, including viruses like COVID-19, Hepatitis B and C, Herpes Simplex Virus, and others, as they perform procedures such as prosthetic dental preparations. In response to these risks, our team of experienced dental professionals developed Dentsafe, a solution designed to eliminate microbial pathogens while improving ergonomic comfort. As the current market solutions were insufficient, the team delved into the development of this system using innovative negative ion and nano-filter technology, a pathogen-eliminating solution that provides clinicians with enhanced protection.

Aerosols, droplets, and splatter created during dental procedures represent a significant risk for cross-contamination. This pilot study investigates the effectiveness of HEPA-filtered extra-oral suction (HEOS) units in controlling the spread of aerosols, particularly during prosthetic dental preparations, a common yet high-risk procedure for aerosol generation. The study aimed to assess aerosol concentration and distribution during dental procedures, particularly the size and spread of particles, and how HEPA filtration could mitigate these risks.

The study focused on aerosol sizes ranging from 0.3 to 10 microns, which are the most common carriers of viruses. Aerosols larger than 2 microns tend to fall faster and are more concentrated around the patient, while smaller particles, under 2 microns, can remain suspended in the air for extended periods and spread more widely in the dental office. The researchers used a particle counter to measure the concentration of particles at various distances in the dental room—specifically the chest of both the patient and the dentist, as well as the center and near the window of the room.

Key Findings:

1. Without Filtration: Without any protective measures in place, aerosol concentration was significantly high, especially near the patient and dentist’s chest. These areas recorded a notable increase in particle size during tooth preparation.
2. With Saliva Ejectors: The use of a saliva ejector somewhat reduced particle spread, but the reduction was not substantial enough to guarantee infection control.
3. With HEPA-Filtered Suction: The introduction of the HEPA-filtered extra-oral suction unit drastically reduced particle concentrations, particularly in areas farther from the dentist’s working area. The HEOS unit was most effective against smaller particles (0.3–1 micron) but showed less effect on particles larger than 2 microns. The HEPA filtration unit, when used at maximum vacuum capacity, was shown to lower aerosol concentration to levels comparable to a non-treatment environment.

From these observations, the researchers concluded that HEPA-filtered suction devices, like the one integrated into Dentsafe, are highly effective in reducing airborne particles, particularly in aerosol-generating procedures like prosthetic dental preparation. However, the study also indicated that the larger particles still represented a challenge for filtration technologies, and further enhancements are needed for absolute containment.

The study validates Dentsafe’s technological approach, particularly its innovative negative ion and nano-filter technology that efficiently eliminates microbial pathogens in droplets, offering a protective shield for dental professionals. Simulation tests conducted on Dentsafe have shown a 99% microbial elimination rate, which aligns well with the outcomes observed in the study for reducing aerosol transmission. The seamless integration of the Dentsafe unit into existing equipment provides both ergonomic relief for clinicians and enhanced safety against airborne infections.

Conclusion:
This study provides strong evidence supporting the use of HEPA-filtered extra-oral suction units to reduce the spread of aerosols in dental settings. For Dentsafe, the combination of advanced filtration technology and ergonomic design ensures that both safety and comfort are prioritized. The findings from the study are directly applicable to the design of Dentsafe, which stands as a cost-effective solution that integrates seamlessly into existing dental office setups. By enhancing microbial elimination and ensuring ergonomic comfort, Dentsafe reduces the risk of infection in dental procedures, making it an essential tool in the fight against airborne pathogens.

Ultimately, Dentsafe aligns with the clinical needs and safety requirements of modern dentistry. By utilizing advanced technologies, such as negative ion generation and nano-filtration, it offers a dual benefit of enhancing safety while reducing the physical strain on dental professionals. This system represents a significant step forward in the evolution of dental safety and infection control.

Reference:

Demirkol, N., Karagozoglu, I., & Kulekci Kocer, I. (2023). Efficiency of HEPA-filtered extra-oral suction unit on aerosols during prosthetic dental preparation: A pilot study. Clinical Oral Investigations, 27, 1937–1944. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-022-04850-x