Preventech

The ēsa^® (extended straight attachment) disposable prophy angle brings super-simple compliance to all 50 states.

Currently 39 state dental boards subscribe to the CDC Guidelines, which recommend that all dental handpieces and their attachments be heat sterilized between patients, adding if a semi-critical item is heat-sensitive, DHCP should replace it with a disposable alternative¹.

In 11 states², state dental practice acts mandate the heat sterilization of handpieces. This isn’t a recommendation. It’s the law. With infection control and sterilization of instruments becoming more transparent to patients, more states may be on the verge of adopting similar mandates.

ēsa fits a number of heat-sterilization-tolerant handpieces: Midwest^® Shorty^®, Rhino^®, Star^® Titan and our ēsamate^® lube-free handpieces. Because ēsa^® eliminates the nose cone, it’s 50 percent lighter and costs less to use than traditional handpiece and DPA connections.

ēsamate^® handpieces are available in two models: ēsamate^® ST, with an aluminum housing that weighs just two ounces; and our new ēsamate^® MW, which features a stainless-steel housing and weighs 3.2 ounces. Both handpieces are heat-sterilization-tolerant, offer a 360° swivel and connect quickly and easily to ēsa^® disposable prophy angles.

Both handpieces feature proven air-driven performance. No recharging or batteries required! They run at 5,000 rpm, which is perfect for prophys, and are backed by a 2-year warranty.

Some points to consider about CDC compliance include:

• How does my practice handle infection control procedures for low-speed or dental hygiene handpieces?
• Do we heat sterilize our low-speed handpieces after each patient?
• Are our low-speed handpieces heat-tolerant?
• What types of low-speed handpieces do we use?

Some dentists may have a few concerns, such as:

• “It’s too costly to purchase the necessary number of handpieces to ensure compliance with heat sterilization recommendation or requirements.”
  • The CDC Guideline states, “If a semi-critical item does not come in contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin,” heat sterilization is NOT required. In these states, using an ēsa^® DPA, along with a plastic barrier on the handpiece, cuts the cost on infection control in half.

For samples of the ēsa DPA, or for more information, visit www.preventech.com/esa-dpa/.

¹ “Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, March 206, P14.

² State Dental Practice Boards in CA, FL, KS, OH, OR, SC, VA and WA require semi-critical items be sterilized after each patient.

Editor’s Note: Sponsored by Preventech.