Stephen Selwyn explains how the Protect-shield can keep dental teams safe once they reopen after the COVID-19 lockdown.
The England CDO has now asked ‘that all dental practices commence opening from Monday 8 June for all face to face care, where practices assess that they have the necessary IPC and PPE requirements in place’ ‘and can include aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs), subject to following the necessary IPC and PPE requirements’. As a dentist I fully appreciate how difficult this will be and how much it is going to depend on the availability of appropriate PPE.
Guaranteeing quality
Over the last few months I have been offered tens of thousands of masks of all types from numerous suppliers from unverifiable sources with dubious certification, which are probably non-compliant and possibly unsafe to use. As well as that many other products we have been offered do not comply with the current guidelines and have no real clinical relevance.
Below is a message from Edmund Proffitt, chief executive of the British Dental Industry Association (BDIA): ‘We are all looking forward to the return to more widespread dental activity. PPE is clearly going to drive this. In essence, no PPE, no treatment. However, the dental industry is ready to support this return. But I would warn all our customers that the world is currently awash with non-certified or counterfeit PPE products. We very strongly suggest that dental practices always buy from reputable suppliers. Those who are manufacturing or sourcing products that ensure the safety of dentists and their teams, as well as patients.’
Every BDIA member adheres to a professional code of practice. This means that in choosing to do business with any of them you can have confidence that everything you buy comes with a guarantee of quality and provenance. You are in the hands of a trusted, quality-conscious professional.
I am proud to say that Evident has been a BDIA member for decades. It has always striven to follow BDIA principles. I would like to reassure you that we take your safety very seriously and closely follow all current guidelines. Our new Protect-shield visor fully complies with PHE guidelines for AGP. It has CE certification in conformity with EN166 and is category 1 PPE. We construct it from the highest quality materials for durability, clarity and the ability to properly clean and disinfect.
Protect-shield with loupes
As a dentist I will not work without my loupes and light. I know that this is the same for all of you that use magnification. We do not want to compromise quality, ease of work or posture. That is why we source the Protect-shield that fits all loupes and lights. We have already helped many of you get back to work in urgent care centres. PHE states that: ‘Visors: provide barrier protection to the facial area and mucous membranes (eyes, nose, lips) and are an alternative to goggles. We should use visors if performing an AGP aerosol-generating procedure. They should cover the forehead, extend below the chin, and wrap around the side of the face. Visors are available in both disposable and reusable options.’
The latest PHE Guidance ‘COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE)’ states: ‘While performing AGPs, we recommend a full-face shield or visor.’
We receive delivery of batches of the Protect-shield each week. You will normally be able to purchase from current stock when you order. Supply is still limited and we expect a real strain on the supply chain the closer we get to the return to work.
If you wish to purchase now, please visit visor.evident.co.uk/buy-now. This will take you to a web page with more information about the Protect-shield visor and a link to an order form.
