215 - Isovac Versus High Volume Evacuation for Aerosol Reduction

Author:  Dworkin SD, Kotak N, Lee S

Affiliation: Temple University Hospital Pediatric Dentistry Program, Philadelphia, PA

Purpose: To assess the efficacy of the Isovac system as compared to High Volume Evacuation with a standard tip, in reducing aerosol and splatter associated with restorative procedures in a pediatric dental operatory. Our hypothesis is that HVE with the Isovac system will significantly reduce surface contamination, by at least 30% in comparison to HVE. 

Methods: Subjects will be recruited from patients undergoing treatment in the dental operatory. A total of 60 patients were recruited and treated in the office by one of two pediatric dental residents in equal numbers. The patient pool included children aged 4-17 years who required treatment with an aerosol producing restorative procedure (Class II) on at least 2 primary and/or permanent teeth using a high speed handpiece, and lasting at least 7 minutes. After obtaining consent for participation from the legal guardian, the subjects were randomly assigned to treatment using either the Isovac system or HVE with a standard tip. After 7 minutes of the aerosol producing procedure, the patient napkin and operator face mask were collected and examined for contamination, using ATP bioluminescence with the A3 sanitation system (Kikkoman, Japan).




Results: Final results pending. To date, a total of 45 patients (22 HVE, 23 Isovac) have been studied. Preliminary data suggests there is more splatter to the napkin than to the mask, and that Isovac reduces contamination of the napkin, but not the mask.