BRIEFS

SDI launches Pola For Aligners

New Pola For Aligners from SDI utilises Pola Night 10% carbamide peroxide gel that has been carefully selected as the ideal whitening agent to suit any aligner system. The neutral pH gel ensures the greatest patient comfort in a whitening kit and the high-water content gel contains potassium nitrate and fluoride to reduce sensitivity and increase patient compliance. The pleasantly flavoured spearmint gel is both fresh and long lasting. Available from SDI Ltd on 1800-337-003 or visit www.sdi.com.au.

Opalescence™ Quick PF 45% CP

Now part of the Opalescence PF whitening family, Ultradent’s Opalescence Quick PF is the fastest take-home whitener used in a custom tray. The 45% Carbamide Peroxide formulation is available in a Mint flavour with a wear time of only 15 to 30 minutes a day. Opalescence tooth whitening gel contains PF (potassium nitrate and fluoride) and the waterbased gel helps prevent dehydration and shade relapse. The sticky, viscous gel also won’t migrate to soft tissues and ensures tray stays securely in place. Available from Dentavision - 1800-806-640; Gunz Dental - 1800-025-300; and Henry Schein - 1300-658-822.

Umbrella lip, cheek & tongue retractor

Offering beautiful access and practical isolation in a comfortable way, Ultradent’s Umbrella soft tissue retractor provides clear access to all areas of the mouth while prioritising patient comfort. Rather than pulling or stretching the lips, it gently and naturally keeps a patient’s mouth open thanks to its durable, yet flexible, spring-like design. Its innovative tongue guard allows the tongue to comfortably remain out of the way, prevents triggering the gag reflex for most patients, all while channelling saliva for efficient evacuation. It is easy to place and features anatomically positioned bumpers to rest a hand without causing pain to the patient. These benefits combine to make the procedure easier and provide a better overall experience for both clinician and patient. Available from Dentavision - 1800-806-640; Gunz Dental - 1800-025-300; and Henry Schein - 1300-658-822.

Current infection control measures reduce COVID

This study examined the risk of SARSCoV-2 transmission among dentists and their team members by sampling 2784 participants across Germany, using questionnaires and blood samples, to detect IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. The staff used dental dam and surgical respirators during treatment when performing AGPs and patients used pre-procedural mouthwashes. The continuous high use of PPE, mouthwash and ventilation procedures during the wave of cases occurred because teams were very well prepared and appropriate supplies were available in sufficient quantities and knowledge was widely disseminated on how to mitigate SARS-CoV-2 exposure. The questionnaires were analysed to investigate demographic data and working conditions during the pandemic. There were 146 participants with positive SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies (5.2%) and 30 subjects with a borderline finding (1.1%). Some 74 out of the 146 participants with SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies did not report a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test (50.7%), while 27 participants without SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies reported a positive SARSCoV-2 PCR test (1.1%). Combining the laboratory and self-reported information, the number of participants with a SARSCoV-2 infection was 179 (6.5%). The risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission was not higher among the dental team compared to the general population of Germany. The findings contrast with those of a study with over 1500 dental team members which was performed in May 2020 in the UK during the first wave, when PPE shortages existed and other control measures were not used. The UK infection rate was twice as high for dental staff as for the general population (16.3% vs 6-7%). Hence, these results show that following hygienic regulations and infection control measures ensures the safety of the dental team and their patients and provides confidence that dentists and their team members are not at higher risk for patientdentist transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

Mksoud M et al. Prevalence of SARS‑CoV‑2 IgG antibodies among dental teams in Germany. Clinical Oral Investigations 2022 https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784‑021‑04363‑z

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