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Microbiology Research Report Sabiha S. Bunek, D.D. S., Fiona Collins, B.D.S, M.B.A., M.A. and Delaney Graham, B.A. Product insights you can trust.

DENTAL ADVISOR Microbiology Research Center 3110 West Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Number 140 – September, 2020

Aerosol and Spatter Reduction Efficacy of Mr. Thirsty® and Alternative Products Clinician: Darlene Finnerty, B.S., RDH

Purpose: A pilot study to compare the aerosol and spatter reduction efficacy of various hands-free high-volume evacuation (HVE) systems during an ultrasonic scaling procedure.

Challenge Device: Mr. Thirsty® , an intraoral hands-free high-volume evacuation (HVE) suction device.

Experimental Design: Independent Variables: Use of a standard HVE, Mr. Thirsty® , Isodry® (Zyris),

Dry Shield® (DryShield), or Ivory® ReLeaf ™ (Kulzer)

Materials: Mr. Thirsty® (Zirc Dental Products), Isodry® (Zyris), Dry Shield® (Dry Shield), Ivory® ReLeaf ™ (Kulzer), Cavitron ultrasonic scaling unit with Cavitron FSI 10S 30K insert (Dentsply Sirona), HVE with standard suction tips, SAS Super 180 Bioaerosol Sampler, TSA with Lecithin and Poly 90 Contact plates, TSA Settling plates, patient volunteers (A, B, and C), licensed dental hygienist volunteer wearing a face shield, and Level 3 mask.

Control

Methods: Each ultrasonic scaling procedure was completed while the office was closed, and all procedures were completed in one designated operatory. Prior to the first patient, HVE lines were cleaned with an evacuation line cleaner and traps were changed. An additional saliva ejector line plus two HVE lines were running during the study to simulate a four operatory practice using a dual vacuum pump. The same dental hygienist performed all ultrasonic scaling procedures in this study. The ultrasonic scaler was consistently set to 60Hz and set to the highest water spray level. A control sample of the operatory air was taken for 5 minutes while patient A and the dental hygienist were seated in the room, prior to any aerosol generation. The control air sample was taken using the SAS Super 180 Bioaerosol Sampler with a TSA with Lecithin and Poly 90 Contact Plate (ASP, air sampling plate) placed 18 inches from the patient’s mouth and a TSA Settling Plate placed on the patient’s chest 8 Control: Chest Control: ASP inches from their mouth (Chest SP). The positioning of each plate was consistent (CFU = 2) (CFU = 94) for all testing for the duration of the study. For each ultrasonic scaling procedure, all quadrants of the mouth were treated, anterior and posterior, buccal and lingual. After 2 minutes, 30 seconds the devices were used on the opposite side of the mouth. An ASP in the SAS Super 180 Bioaerosol sampler and HS Chest SP were used to routinely collect air quality samples for 5 minutes during each procedure and were replaced between each new condition. Five separate conditions were utilized for comparison purposes on each patient volunteer.