GB2205501A

GB2205501A - Protective screen for dentistry

Info

Publication number: GB2205501A
Application number: GB08713373A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Page
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1987-06-08
Filing date: 1987-06-08
Publication date: 1988-12-14
Also published as: GB8713373D0

Abstract

A protective screen for isolating the dentist from the patient whom he is treating, comprises a non-reflecting transparent panel mounted on a support means for adjustable movement in three dimensions so as to be arrangeable to lie between the patient and the dentist, optionally together with suction means provided at or near the edge of the panel for removal of spray etc.

Description

Protective Screen for Dental Surgery This invention relates to a screen for isolating the dentist from the patient whom he is treating.

A problem faced by dental surgeons, especially since the advent of high speed drills, is the possibility of infection from the patient as the result of coming into contact with or breathing in finely dispersed debris from the patient's mouth. The problem is now particularly acute in view of the prevalence of serious viral infections such as hepatitis B and HIV (AIDS). It is now common practice for dentists to wear surgical masks, glasses and gloves for their own protection, but there is still the possibility of skin contact with potentially infective matter in aerosol form.

There is thus a need for a method of isolating the patient from the dentist, while maintaining easy contact to enable the dentist to communicate with and operate on the patient.

I have devised a solution to this problem which enables the dentist to operate freely on the patient while being completely isolated from any air-distributed infective debris.

According to the present invention I provide a protective screen for isolating a dentist from the patient whom he is treating, comprising a non-reflecting, transparent panel mounted on a support means for adjustible movement in three dimensions, so as to be arrangeable to lie between the patent and the dentist.

In general, the transparent panel will comprise a sheet of clear plastics material, such as an acrylate, polystyrene or polycarbonate sheet, but alternatively the panel can be formed of clear glass. The panel is mounted on the support means to move freely in three dimensions, for example by use of a universal joint, a ball joint or other such pivot means which is pivotable in substantially all directions. Naturally, a good degree of movement is essential to make sure that the screen is suitably placed at an appropriate distance from the mouth of the patient so as to permit the dental treatment, while at the same time being a suitable angle to allow the dentist clear access and clear vision. It is important that the panel is substantially non-reflective as it will be interposed between the patient and the overhead working light.A highly reflective surface could easily reflect the light directly into the dentist's eyes.

The panel should obviously be large enough to prevent spray and exhaled material from the patient impinging on the dentist, but should be small enough to be easily movable in the surgery. Typically an oblong screen of from 300 to 400 mm by 400 to 600 mm, e.g. 350 mm x 460 mm, is suitable. The screen is conveniently pivoted at one edge, for clear, unimpeded vision.

The panel may be flat, or alternatively curved in one or more directions. In one preferred embodiment the panel is in the form of two substantially parallel sections joined by an integral inclined section so that, for example, an area at one end of the panel is positionable relatively low over the upper face of the patient while an area at the other end is positionable higher over the mouth and jaw to allow room to work.

The support means conveniently comprise a floor mounted stand, for example a tubular alloy stand which is adjustable for height. Alternatively, the support means can be attached to the operating chair/couch or to ancilliary equipment.

In a preferred embodiment of the screen according to this invention, means are provided at or near the edge of the panel for removal of spray and exhaled material from the patient. Such means conveniently comprise an air-suction tube with one or more apertures, e.g. an extention from the suction system used to evacuate saliva etc from the patient's mouth. The tube is preferably mounted along at least one edge of the panel and can thus extend along the periphery as either a single tube connected at one end to suction means or as a bifurcated tube extending from a central common connection to suction means.

Use of a protective screen of this type enables the dentist to dispense with mask, protective spectacles etc without running the risk of infection from airborne debris, blood droplets etc. The dentist is also therefore much more visible to the patient, leading to a more reassuring and relaxed atmosphere.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A protective screen for isolating the dentist from the patient whom he is treating, comprising a non-reflecting transparent panel mounted on a support means for adjustable movement in three dimensions so as to be arrangeable to lie between the patient and the dentist.

2. A screen according to claim 1, in which the support means comprises a pivotable mount for the transparent panel.

3. A screen according to claim 2, in which the pivotable mount comprises a universal joint, a ball joint or other pivot means pivotable in substantially all directions.

4. A screen according to any of claims 1 to 3 in which the support means comprises a floor mounted stand.

5. A screen according to any of claims 1 to 4 having means provided at or near the edge of the panel for removal of spray and exhaled material from the patient.

6. A screen according to claim 5, in which said means comprises an air-suction tube with one or more apertures.

7. A protective screen for isolating a dentist from the patient whom he is treating, substantially as herein described.