At Henry Schein, we’re committed to providing the highest standards of care — and our infection control products are no exception. From personal protective equipment (PPE) such as disposable face masks, to surface barriers, instrument sterilization, surface disinfectants and waste management, our product selection is designed to provide all the tools you need to run an efficient and hygienic dental practice. Browse our selection of infection control supplies from leading manufacturers such as HuFriedyGroup and Kerr TotalCare, along with our dedicated Henry Schein Brand® product portfolio.
Personal protective equipment, otherwise known as PPE, are types of infection control products that enable dental practitioners to protect themselves — and their patients — from potential health and safety hazards, including bacteria, blood and other contaminants.
PPE come in a variety of forms, including:
Surgical and procedural face masks help protect against large-particle droplets, splashes, sprays and splatter. They are typically loose-fitting, with a flexible nosepiece, elastic ear loops, three-layer construction and an ASTM rating (Level 1 for low barrier protection, Level 2 for moderate and Level 3 for high). N95 respirators, on the other hand, are NIOSH-approved masks that feature a tight seal, offering the highest level of filtration against airborne particles.
Disposable protective garments, such as gowns, lab coats, coveralls and aprons, are designed to protect the skin and personal clothing from exposure to blood and bodily fluids. Similar to masks, they offer varying levels of barrier protection. Medical gowns, for instance, are classified with an ANSI/AAMI rating for liquid barrier performance, with Level 1 offering the lowest fluid resistance and Level 4 offering the highest fluid resistance.
With many dental procedures requiring tools such as high-speed handpieces and ultrasonic scalers, it’s no surprise that the risk of being exposed to fine particles, debris and splatter is ever-present. Protective eyewear such as goggles, side shields and full-face shields are necessary for maintaining proper infection control, protecting the eyes from direct contact with blood, saliva and other aerosols.
Disposable surgical and examination gloves come in various sizes, colors and materials — including nitrile, chloroprene, latex and vinyl — offering a layer of defense against bacteria and other pathogens. Surgical gloves are designed for use in sterile surgical environments and must uphold strict manufacturing standards, whereas exam gloves are intended for more generalized use. No matter the task, however, gloves should fit snugly and allow for natural movement.
Surface barriers are critical in dentistry for maintaining safe and effective infection control and preventing cross contamination. They play a key role in upholding a sterile and hygienic environment, helping to cover and protect surfaces, equipment and dental instruments that come into contact with patients’ mouths, bodily fluids and other germs. Typical examples include (but are not limited to):
HuFriedyGroup has more than 200 years of collective experience in the dental industry, specializing in dental instrument manufacturing, infection control and instrument reprocessing workflows.
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Shop exceptional-quality infection control products at an affordable price with Henry Schein Brand, including our exclusive Criterion® line-up.
Dental practices are subject to infection control guidelines and regulations to ensure patient safety — so it should come as no surprise that the proper disinfection of dental instruments, as well as the thorough cleaning of operatories before and after each patient, are crucial for preventing the spread of infection. Ultrasonic solutions, germicides, dental washer solutions and enzymatic pre-cleaners, for example, are all vital for removing debris, blood, saliva and other contaminants from dental instruments prior to sterilization and processing. In addition, surface disinfectants and cleaners such as disinfectant wipes, liquids and sprays are essential during treatment room turnover, effectively squashing bacteria, pathogens and other germs in their tracks.
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Each year, the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) celebrates Dental Infection Control Awareness Month, complete with resources, tools, checklists and more.
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Karson Carpenter, D.D.S., president of Compliance Training Partners and an OSHA-authorized trainer, reviews the top nine mistakes dental offices make regarding infection control.
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India Chance, dental hygienist, authorized OSHA trainer and CDC inspector, gives her expert perspective on best practices for maintaining a safe and efficient sterilization room.
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Michelle Strange, RDH, shares three do's and three don’ts to keep in mind when it comes to disinfecting surfaces during treatment room turnover.
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Michelle Strange, RDH, discusses how to ensure new and temporary dental team members are properly outfitted with disposable face masks.
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Waterline requirements are updated periodically. Following the latest guidance is a critical way to not only ensure CDC compliance but to keep patients safe.
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