ST. PAUL: Throughout the pandemic, dental professionals around the world have navigated office shutdowns and re-openings, embracing new technologies like tele dentistry and adding safety protocols and procedures.
Staff and patient safety remain a top priority and many dental professionals have added personal protective equipment (PPE), including eye protection, face shields and respirators, to their inventory.
Now, another type of PPE is being added to that list. Through a donation made possible by 3M Oral Care, Direct Relief will distribute more 3,000 powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) to U.S. dental offices in need.
3M collaborated closely with Ford to help design the Ford Limited-Use Public Health Emergency PAPR for essential frontline healthcare workers and first responders. When extra PAPRs recently became available, 3M Oral Care was eager to find dental offices that could benefit from the limited supply. Regional sales managers acted fast to secure the necessary information for donations.
What makes the PAPR unique?
The PAPR includes a hood and face shield that cover healthcare workers’ heads and shoulders, as well as a high-efficiency (HEPA) filter system that provides a supply of filtered air for up to eight hours on a single battery charge. The PAPR is promising for dental professionals because they can treat patients without interruption while minimizing risk for exposure.
“3M Oral Care is grateful for this unique opportunity to support the dental community, especially during challenging times,” said Eric Wenzel, director, 3M Oral Care in the U.S. and Canada, “We are hopeful this donation will have make a positive impact by ensuring the safety and protection of patients, dentists and staff.”
