The AirGuard™ Story
AirGuard™ LT was developed after Dr. James Orrington II, DDS, purchased an extra-oral suction when COVID-19 forced the closure of his practice in March 2020. To reopen safely, clinicians had to take enhanced precautions to prevent spreading infectious disease through aerosolized particles. While masks, face shields and other protective measures provided a barrier, Dr. Orrington II believed there was a better way to contain the splatter that ended up on the front of his face shield and to keep aerosols from escaping into the air.
Dr. Orrington II’s idea centered around placing a shield on the extra-oral suction arm to create both a barrier and a way to capture aerosols. His initial design grew to include AirGuard™ MP and XP models.
To create a high-quality product, the Dr. Orrington II leveraged the experience of Beyond Design, Inc., whose assistance and guidance on product development was invaluable in bringing AirGuard™ to life.
Rigorous Testing and Refinement
With an initial concept for AirGuard™ LT, Dr. Orrington II and Beyond Design, Inc., worked together to develop standard requirements for the unit. The type of material had to be lightweight, shapeable and inexpensive. The size and shape had to be unobtrusive so as not to inhibit movement or make the patient feel closed in. After testing several iterations, the current design was selected and is being tested by other dentists, with initial positive feedback demonstrating the guard’s value and effectiveness.
“I am confident I am protected from aerosols generated while using my cavitron and from prophy paste splatter with AirGuard™ LT. COVID-19 brought a heightened awareness concerning contaminated air in dentistry and once it’s over, I don’t think we’ll go back to the way things were. I feel AirGuard™ LT is an excellent replacement of the cumbersome face shield as a barrier between me and the patient.”
— Tina Wirtz, RDH
“The AirGuard™ is a game changer when using a cavitron or a high-speed handpiece. It protects both me and my patients from the aerosols that are kicked up when using these devices.”
— Dr. James Orrington, DDS
Contact Us
The AirGuard™ family of products is bridging the gap in aerosol protection in the dental industry. To purchase an AirGuard™ for your office, reach out today and a member of our sales team will be with you as soon as possible.
