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SINGAPORE – A visit to the dentist can be stressful at best, and especially during a pandemic.
Now Singapore researchers have invented a tent-like device designed to protect dentists and patients worried about contracting Covid-19.
The Dental Dart, which is placed around the patient’s head, will soon be available to local clinics and around the world at an affordable price.
It was developed by four researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) to assist dental personnel, who are at high risk of contamination due to their proximity to patients and exposure to infectious droplets or particles during routine procedures.
It could also help patients feel more secure. Co-inventor Professor Mandeep Singh Duggal, NUS School of Dentistry, said: “Our Dental Dart can help provide a safer environment in the dental clinic environment and decrease the anxiety and psychological distress imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic in all parties. involved. “
The Dental Dart, which stands for droplet and aerosol reducing dental tent, follows a similar invention by the NUS and National University Hospital in June to give frontline healthcare workers more protection against Covid-19.
The tent is portable, collapsible, and can be placed around the head as a barrier to protect dentists, nurses, and patients from exposure.
There are access ports to allow dentists and nurses to work with minimal limitations, and it can be safely sterilized and reused.
Its effectiveness was proven during escalation procedures, which are known to significantly increase air pollution.
The Dental Dart underwent early clinical testing between August and this month, and the researchers measured the amount of bacteria found on the surface of dental chair lights and on face shields that dentists wear after dental procedures. scraped off.
The results showed less viable bacteria on these surfaces after procedures performed with Dental Dart.
Associate professor and co-inventor Vinicius Rosa, from the NUS School of Dentistry, said: “Personal protective equipment, or PPE, can become infected after being exposed to aerosols from dental procedures. Use of the Dental Dart may decrease the exposure of PPE to aerosols and avoid further environmental contamination “.
A patent has been filed for the invention.
Professor Freddy Boey, vice president of NUS (Innovation and Enterprise) and principal investigator of the project, added that the team will help clinics interested in purchasing the invention in advance to contact the respective manufacturers.
Large-scale clinical studies to strengthen the effectiveness of the product will begin early next year and will focus on improving its functionality and the user experience.
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