Sentinel guards against sensitivity

To help eliminate the problems associated with latex sensitivity Sentinel Laboratories has introduced a non-latex range of examination and procedure gloves, ideal for use with latex-allergic patients.

The new N-Dex non-latex gloves are made from soft polymer that conforms with the skin to provide good tactility. The polymer has a unique pressure reduction quality that ensures the gloves do not exert pressure on the skin. This means they will not tire the hands, even when worn for long periods.

The polymer material offers good abrasion resistance and provides up to three times the puncture resistance compared with a latex glove. At just 0.1mm N-Dex gloves are also thin, meaning the heat from hands is quickly dispersed across the barrier so they stay cool and dry for longer.

Reader response number: 056

More Prestige

Densco's Telydyne Disposable Prophy Cups have been added to the Prestige range of infection control products.

Made from high quality rubber, they come in soft (blue), firm (yellow) and medium (white) grades. The prophy cup, which comes in packs of 144 or 1000, is made from dry natural rubber and can be used with doriot-type handpieces.

Disposable plastic impression trays are also available: Sani-Trays, Master-Trays and Tra-Tens are rigid, offer good retention and come in many different sizes.

Polycril, a new polishing agent with added germicide, is a replacement for conventional pumice. It has no unpleasant odour and comes in a distinctive yellow/cream colour.

Reader response number: 057

Above: NitraTex powder-free non-sterile examination gloves from Ansell Medical. The gloves are made from nitrile, an alternative to rubber latex. The thermo-elastic material moulds exactly to the hand shape for a comfortable fit.

Reader response number: 059

KaVo handpieces

All KaVo handpieces are accredited by the BDA for the control of cross-infection. Fully autoclavable, they will perform without 'significant degeneration' for a minimum of 800 cycles, or around two years normal use.

Reader response number: 058

Disposa-Shield

Dentsply's Disposa-Shield provides barrier protection for awkward handpiece assemblies. As the product works without the need for a chemical disinfectant, it can also help to prolong the life of plastic coverings.

Disposa-Shield provides four different barrier systems for: handles and control panels; air motors; air turbines and Cavitron; chair headrests and x-ray covers.

Dentsply has an introductory offer of one Disposa-Shield pack of each size plus dispenser (which provides easy delivery) for £79.90.

Reader response number: 060

Take Comfort

New Agfa M2 Comfort emulsion film and base, available from Heraeus Kulzer, achieves Agfa's superior 'D' speed image quality even when 'E' speed exposure values are used.

This quality means that Agfa Comfort can offer exceptional sharpness with assured diagnostic accuracy, even where early caries is present. Heraeus Kulzer says that compared with other 'D' speed films, a better diagnostic image quality is still achievable with up to 50% reduction in exposure values. Image quality is also maintained at ISO 'E' speed exposure values with no risk of retakes due to poor image, high base fog or density level.

Agfa has also incorporated a new 'silky' Softopac, but retained firmness to minimise image distortion during exposure. The Softopac is moisture resistant and can be safely sterilised. As with all 'new generation' intra-oral dental x-ray films, Agfa Comfort can be processed easily and used for periapical, bite wing and occlusal indications.

Reader response number: 061

Take a tip from Dentsply

Dentsply's Sani-Tip is designed to tackle the cross-infection problem of 'suck-back', where contaminated aerosols and oral fluids can enter the air/water syringe tip and infect the next patient.

Sani-Tip delivers precise separation and atomisation of water and air without a reduction in air pressure. The rigid material provides secure retraction without the risk of any inadvertent rotational slip.

New users can claim a free conversion kit, while existing ones can benefit from an economy bulk pack. Dentsply also has two new Sani-Tip adaptors for the Siemans and KaVo dental units.

Reader response number: 062

United front

KaVo, Regent Medical and Shulke & Mayr formed a united front at the 1998 Dental Showcase with the Infection Control Centre (below). The companies believe the partnership is 'a flagship for the future' of good infection control.

Seminars dealing with the varied aspects of infection control ran over the three days of the event. Products on show included Regent Medical's new powder-free Biogel gloves and KaVo's Diagnodent. Shulke & Mayr provided infection control educational materials for delegates.

Panadent's Forte is a disinfectant

Panadent now has the OroClean range of infection control products, which are all laboratory-tested.

OroClean Forte is a low foaming, phenol-free disinfectant that eliminates HIV and HBV. Orosept is a pre-operative surgical hand disinfectant. Alcohol-based, Orosept is mild and works by reducing the risk of micro-organism transfer.

Dentiro disinfectant is ideal for localised cleaning and suitable for alginate impressions, instruments, handpieces and surfaces. Panadent says its rapid disinfection activity eliminates HBV, TB and HIV in one minute. Dentiro wipes are also available — they offer all the features of Dentiro in flat refill packs of 90 pre-soaked wipes.

Multisept is a universal alkaline aldehyde-free disinfecting and cleaning concentrate. It has a corrosion inhibitor and is non-toxic.

Panadent Runson is a safe storage medium for dental instruments and burs. It maintains a powerful rust-preventing disinfecting action to ensure instruments and burs are in ideal condition.

Reader response number: 063