Putting Safety First with Effective PPE

 Browsing through a list of the most dangerous professions, dentistry is unlikely to secure a top spot. However, the perceived safety and controlled environment cultivated in the dental practice often conceal a stark reality: dental clinicians constantly run the risk of exposure to harmful pathogens and infectious diseases in daily practice.

Despite diligently adhering to stringent infection control standards, these inherent contamination risks persist. Fortunately, Patterson Dental’s comprehensive line of high-quality PPE effectively protects the health and well-being of clinicians and their patients.

Give Them a Hand!

This commitment to safety is exemplified by the TactileGuard Ultra Next Generation Gloves. Providing excellent chemical and barrier protection, this powder-free, latex-free gloves feature exceptional strength and lightweight comfort. “They fit well, don easily, provide tactile sensitivity, and are durable,” said Donna Grzegorek, RDH.

Hygienist Cathleen Alty echoed this experience, explaining how the gloves met all her criteria with their “perfect stretch, strength, thickness, tactile sensitivity, grip, weight, textured fingertips, and fit.” The gloves come in an ocean blue color in 5 sizes—extra small, small, medium, large, and extra-large.

“Great gloves are needed for high-quality work,” Grzegorek commented. “These fi t the bill.” And with that, Alty shared, “Hands down, these are the best gloves I’ve ever used.”

The ‘Face Value’ of Masks

Along with gloves that set the standard for hand protection, the Patterson Procedure Earloop Masks for Sensitive Skin offer reliable, ASTM Level 3 barrier protection against airborne contaminants without causing skin irritation. Each mask is made in the United States, comes in a white color, and has a lightweight, breathable cellulose-blend inner layer that softens with wear and remains cool on the skin.

“The mask was very durable and comfortable,” Dr. Ted Holubec said. “It was easy to speak clearly while wearing my mask, and I didn’t feel like I was being suffocated.” Maryann Olmsted, RDH, also said, “It had better airflow, I didn’t worry about developing a rash, and it didn’t rub my ears raw. It provided the same protection [as my previous mask] but made breathing easier.”

Additionally, the Patterson masks’ unique wicking technology effectively keeps the face dry throughout procedures, and the adaptability of these masks ensures an optimal fit for every clinician. Dr. Holubec concluded, “It exceeded my expectations in providing a barrier to prevent respiratory droplets.”