Smart Picks for Safer Care

Safety in the dental practice is the sum of many small decisions—from the products clinicians reach for in every appointment to the solutions teams rely on to maintain instruments and equipment between visits.

It’s also why DPS readers consistently choose Henry Schein, whose PPE, hygiene, and infection-prevention equipment combine everyday comfort and convenience with exceptional value and performance.

Take CRITERION Chloroprene Exam Gloves, which balance the natural fit of latex with the strength of nitrile. “The best way I can describe them is ‘unnoticeable,’” said Marlene Grove, RDH, pointing to the gloves’ fit, comfort, tactile sensitivity, and durability. “Once donned, you won’t even think about them.”

Shannon Johnson, DMD, likewise found the CRITERION Chloroprene Exam Gloves to be “all-around great gloves that exceed expectations in every category,” noting that the fit, grip, and easy donning quickly made them a go-to in her Louisville, KY, dental practice. 

More Comfort Without Compromise

Finding masks that keep wearers comfortable without compromising safety or functionality can be a similar challenge, especially amid a growing number of “gray market” options. However, CRITERION masks offer protection up to ASTM Level 3, along with soft earloops, a breathable 3-ply pleated design, an adjustable nosepiece, and a range of colors, including a stylish black.

“We’ve probably used at least 30 different masks over the last few years, and these are the way to go,” said Jessica Raymond-Allbritten, BASDH, CRDH, lauding the CRITERION masks’ fi t and freedom from irritation or fogging when worn under her loupes.

“It’s a great-fitting, comfortable mask that fits around the cheeks well without a large, gaping hole on the side. The nosepiece stays put and doesn’t slip or leave a dent in my nose. I feel confident I am safe whenever I wear this mask.”

Safety & Simplicity From Start to Finish

Quality carries through to Henry Schein’s ACCLEAN family of preventives, which brings safety and simplicity to every hygiene appointment. ACCLEAN Disposable Prophy Angles come in a variety of configurations and feature a grip designed for overall control and tactile sensitivity.

Despite their high torque and cleaning power, Angela Reeds, BSDH, found ACCLEAN Disposable Prophy Angles the quietest she’s used in 17-plus years in practice. “They offer a very smooth and quiet operation, which means no splatter and a more comfortable patient experience,” she said. “I have found these prophy angles work well and deliver a great value for their cost.”

ACCLEAN Prophy Paste with TCP, which incorporates tricalcium phosphate to deliver strong stain removal while supporting remineralization,* is another reader favorite for efficient, patient-friendly polishing. Looking for a product that “removes plaque and stains, does not splatter, rinses clean, and tastes great,” Malee Wong, RDH, discovered that ACCLEAN Prophy Paste “fulfills and exceeds all these needs.”

Allison Koska, RDH, was skeptical about switching from the paste she’d relied on for years, but her experience with ACCLEAN put those worries to rest. 

“I was pleasantly surprised that the paste was superior at stain removal and rinsed much easier,” she reported, adding that patient complaints about “residual grittiness” disappeared entirely.

Rounding out the lineup, the lightweight yet powerful ACCLEAN Cordless Hygiene Handpiece is winning over clinicians ready to leave cord drag behind.

“Often, offices are not left-handed friendly,” said Samantha Cosgrove, RDH, describing how in the past, using corded handpieces meant leaning awkwardly over her patients. Going cordless with ACCLEAN, however, “reduced wrist strain and the daily cord battle.” 

With high-output torque, 6 adjustable speeds, universal DPA compatibility, and long-lasting battery life, the ACCLEAN Cordless Hygiene Handpiece is a workhorse built for busy practices.

“It is definitely the fastest and most powerful handpiece I’ve used,” said Amy Corder, RDH, calling it “great” for patients with significant staining.

Behind-the-Scenes Protection

Protecting patients doesn’t stop at the products clinicians use chairside.

“Waterline maintenance is critical,” said Shannon Pace-Brinker, CDA. “Patients don’t always realize that bacteria can build up in the lines, but we do—and it’s our job to prevent that.”

Like many DPS readers, she depends on Henry Schein's 2-cartridge water purification system, which treats dental unit water with 40% greater power than conventional single-cartridge products and requires little day-to-day oversight.

“The first cartridge handles most of the bacteria, and the second one backs it up,” Pace-Brinker explained. This gives her confidence “even on the busiest days.”