OPERATIVE

DENTISTRY

A. PROTECTIVE

SHIELD FOR HIGH SPEED EQUIPMENT

CHARLES V. CALDARONE, D.M.D. Providence, R. I.

Y EVERAL RECENT REPORTS indicate that pathogenic microorganisms are propelled L, into the atmosphere during high speed tooth reduction with a water coolant.1-5 Contamination of the atmosphere in prbximity to the patient, assistant, and dentist presents a health hazard. A recent publications described a clear plastic addition to a disposable face mask for protection of the dentist and patient. Obviously the same device could serve to protect the assistant. This report describes a transparent shield which serves to protect both the patient and the professional personnel.

PROTECTIVE

SHIELD

The device consists of a kidney-shaped transparent shield made of s6 inch L,ucite or Plexiglass. The shield (Fig. 1) is 8 inches long and 49$ inches wide. The concave edge of the shield is adequately curved to fit against the upper lip and just under the patients nose. The assistant holds the shield in position during tooth reduction. Tipping the shield will prevent the operating light from reflecting in the dentists eyes. The contra-angle, mirror, and aspirator tube pass beneath the shield (Fig. 1).

Fig.

1.-A

patient

with

a shield

held by a dental

assistant.

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CALDARONE

J. Pros. Den. May-June, 1966

Periodically, the shield will collect enough spray to warrant cleansing. The collection of spray on the shield attests to its effectiveness. This method, in use for the past year, has proved to be a simple and effective way of avoiding air-borne contamination.
REFERENCES

1. Belting, C. M., Haberfelde, Haberfelde. G. C., and Juhl, L. K.: Spread of Organisms From Dental Air Rotor. T.A.D.A. 68:648-651, 1964. Rotor, J.A.D.A. 2. Madden, R. M., and Hausler, Ha W. J., Jr. : Microbiological Comparison of Dental Handpieces, J. D. Res. 42:1146-1151, 42:ll 1963. 3. Mohammed, C. I., Manhdd, Man1 J. H., and Manhold, B. S.: Efficacy of Preoperative Oral Rinsing to Reduce Air Contamination During Use of Air Turbine Handpieces, J.A.D.A. (j9:715-718 69:715-718, 1964 1964. 4. Stevens, Stevens. R. E., Jr. : Preliminary Study; Air Contamination with Microorganisms During Use of Air Turbine Hand Pieces, J.A.D.A. 66:237-239, 66:: 1963. 5. Travaglini, E. A:, Larato, D. C., and Martin A.: Disss Dissemination of Organism-bearing Droplets by Hugh-Speed Dental Drills, J. PROS. DENT, 16:132-139, 1966. 6. Travaglini! E. A., and Larato, D. C.: A Disposable Dental Face Mask With a Plastic Eye Shield for Operating With the Air Turbine Drill, J. PROS. DENT. 15:525-527, 1965.
394 ANGELL ST. PROVIDENCE, R. I. 02906