February 2016 Marketplace

ECO-FRIENDLY TOOTHBRUSHES

SmartPractice, Phoenix, has introduced WooBamboo toothbrushes, an ecofriendly alternative to standard toothbrushes. WooBamboo toothbrushes are designed using biodegradable, organically grown, and antimicrobial bamboo. Available for purchase for children, adults, and even pets, WooBamboo toothbrushes can be personalized for any dental practice. A free product sample is available upon request. (800) 522-0800; smartpractice.com/toothbrushes.

HAND INSTRUMENTS FOR PERIODONTAL MAINTENANCE

Hu-Friedy, Chicago, has unveiled its Periodontal Maintenance Curettes. The instruments were developed in partnership with educator and practitioner Anna M. Pattison, RDH, MS, editor in chief emerita of Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. When patients have tight tissue, standard or rigid Gracey curet blades may be too big and thick to insert subgingivally. Each of the four instruments in this set features a small EverEdge blade honed at a 60° angle with a modified rigid shank, to allow easier insertion under tight tissue. The curets are available in 1/2, 7/8, 11/12, and 13/14 designs to provide access to all areas of the mouth. (800) 483-7433;
hu-friedy.com.

CORDLESS HEADLIGHT

Orascoptic™, Middleton, Wisconsin—part of the Kavo Kerr Group—introduces Spark™—a cordless headlight that integrates with virtually any loupe or eyewear frame model. This headlight features a patent-pending design that distributes weight evenly across the bridge of the frame, thereby reducing facial pressure. Touch controls enable clinicians to easily turn on and off the headlight between procedures. Spark co-axially mounts to loupes and emits a precision-focused beam of 32,000 millilumens that illuminates the entire field of view. (800) 369-3698; orascoptic.com.

LOCKING SALIVA EJECTOR VALVE TIP

Practicon, Greenville, North Carolina, now exclusively offers the Lock-On™ Saliva Ejector Valve Tips. Designed for clinicians who are frustrated with the inconvenience of saliva ejector valve tips pulling off during or getting lost after a procedure, this product stays in place under tension. Compatible with all standard saliva ejector valves and adapters, Lock-On Saliva Ejector Valve Tips are constructed with silicone and Viton^® rings and can be sterilized up to 375°F. Each pack contains three complete tips and three spare locking rings. (800) 959-9505; practicon.com.

SPRAY ALLEVIATES DRY MOUTH

Elevate Oral Care, West Palm Beach, Florida, recently launched its Allday™ Dry Mouth Spray. The spray’s patent-pending, extended-release formula contains 44% xylitol, offering users continuous xylitol exposure for increased protection during dry-mouth episodes. Free of alcohol and artificial sweeteners, Allday is designed to sooth oral tissue and promote oral health. (877) 866-9113; elevateoralcare.com.

LATEX-FREE LAMP HANDLE COVERS

Steri-Shield, Las Vegas, has created nitrile Elastic T-Bar and C-Bar lamp handle covers, which are ideal for use in latex-free environments. The new nitrile material provides a durable barrier. The products’ elastic feature allows clinicians to reduce barrier inventory by providing a full 360° coverage fit to a wide variety of lamps. This includes many T-style and C (closed)-style lamp handles. (800) 699-7220; steri-shield.com.

AUTOCLAVE FILTRATION SYSTEM

SciCan, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, has released its VistaPure water filtration system for StatIM autoclaves, Bravo fractionated vacuum sterilizers, HydrIM instrument washers, ultrasonic cleaners, dental bottles, and other select autoclaves and washers. Easily connecting to the city water supply, VistaPure then purifies the water, readying it for use in the dental practice. A handheld wand makes it easy to fill autoclaves, while the faucet feature makes it simple to fill dental unit bottles. Featuring a high-volume, 4.25-gallon storage tank, the system is also equipped with an inline meter that monitors water quality and lets staff members know when it’s time to replace cartridges. (724) 820-1600; scicanusa.com.

LONG-LASTING SCALER AND CURETS

Nordent Manufacturing Inc, Elk Grove Village, Illinois, announces XDURA™ scalers and curets. Featuring the latest developments in metallurgy and cryogenic hardening, these stainless steel instruments are made from extremely fine carbide particles, resulting in a blade that is consistently hard, sharp, and long lasting. XDURA instruments are available through local dental dealers. (800) 966-7336; nordent.com.

ANTIMICROBIAL AND FLUID-SHIELDING SCRUBS

Strategic Partners Inc, Chatsworth, California, recently launched scrubs and lab coats made with Certainty PLUS™—an antimicrobial and fluid barrier fabric technology. Personal protective equipment made with Certainty PLUS is designed to be durable, breathable, soft, comfortable, and resistant to fluids and stains. Featuring nanotechnology, the fabric may help reduce, inhibit, and minimize the growth of odor-causing bacteria; extend garment life; and prevent odors. (818) 671-2100; certaintytechnologies.com.

CHILDREN’S BRUSH WITH SUCTION CUP

Tess Oral Health, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, debuts its new Suction Cup toothbrushes. Bright brush handle colors encourage children to adopt good brushing habits early. Designed for children between age 2 and 5, the toothbrushes feature ergonomic handles that are easy for little hands to grip and soft, end-rounded and polished bristles that are gentle on gums. The suction cup base sticks to any smooth surface, reducing the risk of contamination. Personalization for these toothbrushes is available. (800) 762-1765; tessoralhealth.com.

INSTRUMENT AND MATERIAL TRACKING SYSTEM

LM-Dental, St. Ignatius, Montana, has rolled out its Dental Tracking System—the first wireless radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology to efficiently and accurately track, monitor, and control instruments and materials in the dental environment. With the help of RFID readers, clinicians can trace where instruments and materials are, and by whom and on whom they have been used, helping to ensure patient safety while keeping track of inventory. DTS is said to be compatible with all instruments and materials and able to integrate with other information systems, as well as with cleaning and sterilization systems and patient treatment units. (406) 745-3746; lm-dental.com.

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From Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. February 2016;14(02):65–66.