A team led by Dr. Da-yo Yuh from the Department of Dentistry at Tri-Service General Hospital has developed an innovative hook-type aerosol removal device (PARD). This device is not only cost-effective and reusable but can also be connected to existing dental treatment chairs. It significantly reduces the spread of aerosols generated during dental procedures, greatly lowering the risk of infection for healthcare workers, patients, and others.

Infection Risks During Dental Cleanings and Limitations of Current Protective Measures

During dental cleanings, bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens from the patient’s mouth can be dispersed into the air as aerosols, increasing the risk of cross-infection. While external dental vacuum devices (EDV) are currently used as a protective measure, their high cost, inconvenient maintenance, and space requirements limit their widespread adoption.

Innovative Design Integrates with Dental Chairs, Efficiently Removes Various Aerosols

The PARD device integrates with the existing high-volume suction system of dental treatment chairs, eliminating the need for additional power or filter replacements, which significantly reduces operating costs. Its unique hook design combines a cheek retractor with an airflow guide, allowing the device to stabilize in the patient’s mouth using its own weight, without requiring hand support. It also effectively opens up the space between the cheek and teeth, enhancing the dentist's field of view. Meanwhile, PARD’s built-in airflow guide mechanism efficiently directs aerosols generated during treatment into the high-volume suction system, effectively removing both large and small aerosols.

Experimental data shows that PARD can remove up to 87% of aerosols, including larger droplets that easily settle and smaller aerosols that can remain suspended in the air for longer periods. It is particularly effective in removing aerosols smaller than 4 microns, outperforming traditional EDV systems in this regard. When PARD is used in conjunction with EDV, the aerosol removal efficiency exceeds 90%, providing comprehensive protection during dental procedures. Additionally, PARD is designed with the practical needs of dental treatments in mind. It requires no additional space, is easy to operate, and does not disrupt the dentist’s workflow, allowing the dentist to focus on treatment while receiving optimal aerosol protection.

Enhancing Healthcare Quality and Safeguarding Dental Treatment Safety

Dr. Da-yo Yuh emphasized that PARD’s low cost, high efficiency, and ease of use make it a promising solution for widespread application in dental clinics, offering a more cost-effective and easy-to-implement option for infection control. In the future, PARD is expected to become a standard piece of equipment in dental clinics, creating a safer and more reassuring medical environment for both healthcare professionals and patients.

Resource (mandarin): 洗牙不再怕感染！PARD裝置阻絕近九成氣溶膠