Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for Dental and Orthodontics

Masks help reduce the risk of large particles expelled by the wearer - like saliva and mucus - from reaching patients. The outer layer may be fluid resistant.

Standard N95 respirators help reduce particles inhaled and expelled* by the wearer. They are designed to fit tightly, creating a seal between the face and the respirator, but they are not fluid resistant.

Surgical N95 respirators help reduce particles both inhaled and expelled by the wearer. They are also designed to fit tightly, creating a seal between the face and the respirator. However, unlike a standard N95, they are fluid resistant for high velocity bodily fluids (e.g. blood and bodily fluids).

*Applies to unvalved respirators.

No, masks have differing levels of fluid resistance depending on the material they are made of. It is important to read the specifications to determine which type is suitable for oral care procedures.

According to the US CDC Infection Control Standard Precautions, Dental Professionals should wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including masks, when splashes or sprays of blood and body fluids are likely.3 When choosing a mask, a health care professional should consider fit, fluid resistance, filtration ability and breathability.

To be effective, a respirator needs to be worn correctly throughout the duration of the exposure. Always follow the user instructions included in your product packaging.

Fit testing is one component of a Respiratory Protection Program (RPP). Before a fit test is conducted other components of the RPP must be implemented, including completion of health surveillance prior to fit testing (or wearing a respirator). Fit testers shall be competent in their role and follow the requirements of the RPP as outlined in CSA Z94.4-18 respiratory standard. Therefore, when seeking fit testing, ensure you have a fit tester that meets the requirements as outlined in the CSA standard.

A fit test verifies that the respirator can achieve an acceptable fit on a wearer’s face. It shall be conducted at least every 2 years, as per CSA Z94.4-18 Standard, or more often if the wearer's face changes in a way that could impact the fit. Please consult the requirements in your local jurisdiction.

A user seal check confirms that the respirator is worn correctly and has sealed to the face. It is performed by the wearer each time the respirator is donned.

The US CDC recommends conventional capacity strategies, contingency capacity strategies (during expected shortages) and crisis strategies (during known shortages).3 Contingency and crisis strategies include use of N95s past their shelf life, extended use of N95s, use of other types of respirators, use of respirators from other countries, and re-use of respirators, ahead of decontamination of respirators.

Current information supports the following conclusions for all 3M filtering facepiece particulate respirators1:

• 3M does not recommend the use of Ethylene Oxide due to the potential for repeat inhalation exposure to residual ethylene oxide, a known human airborne respiratory carcinogen.2 Ethylene oxide is an accepted sterilant for many device types, but given that the respirator is directly in line with a person’s breathing zone, it is not recommended for respirator decontamination.
• 3M does not recommend the use of Ionizing Radiation due to degradation in filter performance
• 3M does not recommend the use of Microwave due to melting of the respirator near metal components resulting in compromise of fit
• 3M does not, at this time, recommend the use of High Temperatures above 75°C, such as Autoclave or Steam due to significant filter degradation
• 3M does not recommend the use of ethanol, isopropanol, quat solutions, soaps, or detergents due to degradation in filter performance

We anticipate that additional information will be available as further testing is completed and reviewed with regulatory agencies. For information on efficacy of decontamination, please refer to the sterilization equipment manufacturers.