They need to design a backflow preventing valve that still allows for the use of HVE and saliva ejector tip of you choice. The problem lies within the cost $2.60 per patient and amount of plastic waste. I unfortunately don’t see this specific item gaining a lot of momentum in dental practices as insurance carriers continue to decrease reimbursement.
The main issue is what occurs between patients. Any debris in the evacuation line builds up on backflow flaps - resulting in a flap that will not close. Devices not disposable will not work after 1 or 2 patients because they will not close. Some also stick open if too much debris flows through. Its the main reason flushing daily does nothing other than serving as a "Drano" type of fluid that keeps lines open but does not clean them for every patient. Currently we make just the valve with backflow prevention at $1.25 a piece. Yes plastic. To achieve the same result in a metal valve - the IFU would need to be followed creating a similar waste footprint from cleaning detergents / plastic sheaths to wrap parts for autoclaving / sterilizing cycles through a statim or similar device / and then recovering the device in a plastic wrap / yet backflow would still exist. Our plastic is made in the U.S. and in terms of plastic has the highest recycle/breakdown ability - however due to the blood contaminants it needs to be treated as waste. Many schools / public sector / and offices with high production but minimal cleaning time between patients have since adopted the disposable valves because of the safer nature of a device that often is only wiped. Again, thank you for your thoughts.
They are not required by law but regulations do vary from state to state. You can simply ask if they have a backflow preventer and that will let you know if you should close your mouth on the suction or not.
This is my HVE tip of choice! I use mine with a Cordeze bracelet. I love the flared tip for retraction and the infection control ease!!!
They need to design a backflow preventing valve that still allows for the use of HVE and saliva ejector tip of you choice. The problem lies within the cost $2.60 per patient and amount of plastic waste. I unfortunately don’t see this specific item gaining a lot of momentum in dental practices as insurance carriers continue to decrease reimbursement.
The main issue is what occurs between patients. Any debris in the evacuation line builds up on backflow flaps - resulting in a flap that will not close.
Devices not disposable will not work after 1 or 2 patients because they will not close. Some also stick open if too much debris flows through. Its the main reason flushing daily does nothing other than serving as a "Drano" type of fluid that keeps lines open but does not clean them for every patient.
Currently we make just the valve with backflow prevention at $1.25 a piece. Yes plastic.
To achieve the same result in a metal valve - the IFU would need to be followed creating a similar waste footprint from cleaning detergents / plastic sheaths to wrap parts for autoclaving / sterilizing cycles through a statim or similar device / and then recovering the device in a plastic wrap / yet backflow would still exist.
Our plastic is made in the U.S. and in terms of plastic has the highest recycle/breakdown ability - however due to the blood contaminants it needs to be treated as waste. Many schools / public sector / and offices with high production but minimal cleaning time between patients have since adopted the disposable valves because of the safer nature of a device that often is only wiped. Again, thank you for your thoughts.
Wth! You put plastic waste above your patients safety?! You should be in prison!
Do they require them by law? How do I, as a patient see if my doctor has it?
They are not required by law but regulations do vary from state to state. You can simply ask if they have a backflow preventer and that will let you know if you should close your mouth on the suction or not.
is back flow preventer enough to prevent the back flow or do you need something chairside too? @@BURSTOralCareTV