Our Medical Equipment Guide

Sharp hand instruments, such as scalers and curettes, are used for scaling and root planing as they are effective at removing hard deposits from teeth. However, over time, small particles of metal are worn off at the instrument’s tip, causing the cutting edge to become dull and compromising its effectiveness.

The problem with dull instruments is that they cannot complete procedures as quickly and can cause discomfort and strain to both the operator and the patient. Dull scalers and curettes cannot remove calculus from the teeth and will glide across the tooth’s surface instead. To prevent any problems, dental instruments should be sharpened routinely. Here are our top tips on keeping your dental instruments sharp and ready for use.

What You Need for Sharpening

There are a variety of tools available for sharpening dental tools. The most popular option is sharpening stones. They can be organic, such as Arkansas and India stones, or synthetic, such as ceramic stones.

Sharpening stones vary by grit. The grit of the stone determines the speed of sharpening and the fineness of its edge. A grittier stone is usually used for very dull instruments or minor instrument repairs, while a softer stone is used as a finishing stone to produce a more refined edge.

The stones also come in different shapes and sizes. We recommend using a wedge-shaped angled slip stone with one conical edge and one straight edge, as it is the most versatile.

Lubrication methods also differ depending on the type of stone. Medical-grade honing oil is required for India and Arkansas stones and should be applied immediately prior to use. For ceramic stones, water is sufficient as a lubricant.

Stones should be cleaned periodically with a stiff bristle brush and mild detergent, then air-dried. Most stones can also be autoclaved if sterility is needed. Make sure to switch out sharpening stones regularly, as worn stones can make sharpening more difficult and distort cutting edges.

How to Sharpen Dental Instruments

There are two main techniques for sharpening scalers and curettes: the stone is moved, or the instrument is moved. The moving stone technique facilitates better control and straighter movement on the instrument edge.

To begin, stabilize the instrument so that its face is parallel to the work surface with the tip pointed toward or away from the operator. Hold the tool firmly in your non-dominant hand with the elbow resting on a stable surface and maintain this position to keep the instrument still. Once positioned, hold the stone in your dominant hand and apply it against the instrument so that it is at a 70-degree internal angle. You can use a sharpening guide to make finding this angle easier while sharpening.

Then, move the stone upwards and downwards against the blade in short strokes while maintaining the correct angle. Make sure to always end on the downstroke to avoid a rough edge.

The working end of an instrument can be divided into the heel, the middle, and the tip. Always work from the heel to the tip when sharpening. Remember to preserve the instrument’s shape throughout the sharpening process and avoid removing too much material.

Rounding the Toe of a Curette

To round the tip of a curette, stabilize the instrument and hold it against a sharpening stone at a 45-degree angle. Using up and down strokes, rotate the stone around the toe to create a rounding effect.

How to Determine When It Is Sharp Enough

Visual Inspection

You can check sharpness by holding the instrument under a bright light. Angle the tool so that the edge is facing the light. A sharp cutting edge does not reflect any light. So, if you see the light reflecting off the cutting edge, that means the instrument is still dull.

Acrylic Stick Test

Apply the edge of the instrument to the acrylic stick and check for a “bite”. If there’s no “bite” or friction against the stick, then the tool needs to be sharpened.

When to Sharpen Your Dental Instruments

Ideally, dental instruments should be sharpened routinely or at the first sign of dullness. If you feel that the instrument does not “bite” or more strokes and pressure are needed to remove the deposit, that means it’s time to set it aside for sharpening. The last thing you want is to be left with dull instruments at a patient’s scaling and root planing appointment.

We recommend planning ahead and using cancellations or any downtime at the clinic to stay on track with sharpening your instruments. You can also keep a chart or mark kits to differentiate between those that have been or need to be sharpened. Gradually sharpening instruments as required will prevent you from needing to sharpen them all at once.

Are you looking for quality dental surgical instruments? ProNorth Medical is a trusted dental instrument supplier in North America. We can help you build a clinic from scratch or find the tool you need to provide the best patient experience, from reclining beds to the latest dental equipment upgrades. Contact us at 844-537-0493 or email us at info@pronorthmed.ca for more information today.

At ProNorth Medical, we are committed to helping healthcare professionals improve patient outcomes while lowering business costs. All of us at ProNorth Medical are so grateful to be doing what we love, after a decade!

As a big thank you to all our customers and to show just how valued you really are to us, we have designed a loyalty program where you will be provided Exclusive Rewards, Priority Service, and Early Access to Specials. The best part is that you don’t have to spend unreasonably to win.

Here are some reasons why you should definitely sign up for ProNorth Medical’s Loyalty Program.

Earn Points Just By Shopping

Who doesn’t like to save money while shopping? When you sign up for ProNorth Medical’s Loyalty Program, you can earn points and discounts with every purchase you make. However, that’s not the only way. We have made earning points simple and easy. Here’s how you can get started:

• Earn 5 points for every dollar spent.
• Earn 500 points when you refer a friend and receive $50 off per referral.
• Earn 200 points when you sign up for our mailing list.
• Earn 500 points by leaving us a review.
• Earn 25 points just by visiting our website.
• Earn 250 points when you create your loyalty account.

Redeem Exclusive Rewards

As a member of ProNorth Medical’s Loyalty Program, you can redeem your points for exclusive rewards including:

• Free shipping
• Money-back vouchers
• Exclusive discounts for up to 50% off
• Free over-the-patient instrument table
• $500 off dental, veterinary, and medical sutures
• A free saddle stool
• And more!

Other Perks

At ProNorth Medical, we put our customers’ experience first. As part of our loyalty program, we also offer our members the following:

• Higher priority customer service
• Exclusive access to sale and product rollouts
• Monthly updates to keep track of your points
• Free point top-ups and cash back for our most loyal customers

Start enjoying our exclusive perks and rewards now. Join ProNorth Medical’s Loyalty Program on our website or email us at info@pronorthmed.ca for more information today.

So, you are thinking about opening your own veterinary practice. Nearly all veterinarians in private practice have imagined their ideal clinic at some point in their careers. They daydream about the people they’d hire, the clients they’d bring in and the way their clinic would be set up.

However, if you want to make this dream a reality, you need to own the business so you have complete control.

Just like starting any new business, building a veterinary practice from scratch can feel daunting at first.

Still, there are many advantages to being a practice owner over remaining an associate at an existing clinic. Unsure if this is the career path that’s right for you? Let’s take a look at the top 5 benefits of veterinary practice ownership.

1. From dream to reality

As the practice owner, you are the decision-maker for the business. From mission and values to equipment and hours, you will have the opportunity to shape your business and professional life as you wish.

What is your vision? Do you know what your ideal practice looks like? How will it look different from other clinics in your area? As the owner, all of this is within your reach, but it may begin to feel out of control without a clearly defined set of goals.

Understanding your goals and vision for the practice is the first step toward bringing your dream practice to life.

2. Increased profitability

While money may not have been why you chose veterinary medicine, having a higher income can help you achieve your personal and professional goals.

Owning a practice allows you to earn significantly more money long-term than you would while working as an associate veterinarian.

Most of the time, the owner veterinarian still sees clients and is entitled to the income generated for their work. On top of that, they are entitled to a management fee and any return on investment for the business.

Furthermore, as the owner, you can decide how much profit to reinvest in the business and how much to take home.

Also, practice ownership is an asset investment whose value is likely to increase over time. Much like buying a home, you can build equity in a veterinary clinic, and you have something of value that you can eventually sell should you choose to do so.

3. Create your own team

As a veterinarian, you are knowledgeable about a variety of animal species and their bodily systems. How confident are you in business systems and day-to-day business operations, though?

To be a successful business owner, you must develop a baseline level of knowledge in finance, marketing, human resources, regulatory issues, and more. However, you do not have to navigate them all on your own.

As the owner, you can build your team and enlist the help of professionals you trust.

At a minimum, you will need a receptionist, a technician, an accountant, and an attorney, but consider, as well, recruiting a marketing expert, a business consultant, and a financial planner.

A full-time practice manager will also make your job as the owner is much more manageable. An experienced manager can take any personnel, client, and maintenance issues off your shoulders so that you can focus on more significant business decisions.

4. Find the perfect location

As the owner, you may choose to purchase a practice, rent an existing location, or build a brand-new clinic in an area of your choosing. Keep in mind that finding the right place for your clinic is crucial and can influence your future success.

Some key factors you should consider when making this critical decision include:

• Demographics: What is the community like in the area? Are there enough pet owners, and will they make good potential clients? Consider income levels, area growth, multi-family and single dwellers, etc.
• Competition: Is there room for your practice? Will you be targeting the same clientele? Opening a new clinic in an area with an established vet may be a risky move, but there may be some benefits as well.
• Facility: Will you buy an existing facility or rent a space? Do some research into the benefits of both these options and ensure your choice suits your needs.

5. Purchase the best equipment

Another benefit of building your practice from scratch is that you have control over the equipment used in practice and can purchase anything you may need to serve your clients.

For example, you may choose to invest in high-quality capital equipment from ProNorth Medical. We offer medical-grade furniture and machinery such as dental tables, surgical lighting, saddle stools, and dental tools. All are made to last and used for a minimum of one year or more in the clinic.

As the owner of your practice, you have the ability to invest in the highest quality equipment to give your clients the very best care.

Sure, the beginning phases of starting your own practice from scratch may be daunting and challenging.

It’s likely that you only have a small client base to start and may not turn a profit for several months after opening. However, if you believe in your vision and persevere with the right people and the best tools, your new practice will be successful and profitable with time.

ProNorth Medical is a trusted veterinary surgical equipment supplier in North America. Since 2011, we have been working with veterinarians to ensure that our instruments are safe, reliable, and sterile. Are you interested to know more? Contact us at 844-537-0493 or email us at info@pronorthmed.ca for more information today.

Personal protective equipment, or PPE, is worn to minimize exposure to hazards that can cause serious injuries and illnesses. These may include eye protection, gloves, masks, gowns, and more.

PPE is essential every day for workers in several industries, including the medical system and pharmaceutical industry. However, PPE has been under the public spotlight due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

Having good quality PPE is crucial for protecting staff and patients, but there is more to successful protective gear than simply choosing high-quality products. Even the highest calibre of PPE can be rendered useless from improper use.

Thus, following simple best practices regarding correct PPE use can help you and your organization ensure safety for everyone.

Types of PPE Used in Healthcare Settings

PPE works by creating a barrier between the person and the infectious material. Common types of PPE worn in healthcare settings include:

• Masks to protect the mouth and nose
• Gloves to protect hands
• Gowns to protect skin and/or clothing
• Face shields to cover the entire face, including the mouth, nose, and eyes

Medical-Grade Masks

Medical-grade face masks are disposable and designed for single use only. Each mask usually has three plies or layers, an adjustable nose wire, and ear loops or head ties.

The layers in the mask help provide filtration and act as a barrier from airborne particles and bacteria.

Face masks should be well-fitted and feel snug against the user’s face. They should be large enough to cover the nose, mouth, and chin completely and without gaps so that no air can leak in and out of the sides.

When donning a mask, take a few seconds to make sure it is secure and snug around your face, so no further adjustments are necessary during use. If you have facial hair, you may consider a beard cover in addition to a face mask to achieve a better fit.

When removing a face mask, the front of the mask is considered contaminated and should not be touched. Remove by handling the ties or ear loops only, then lift the mask away from the face and discard it appropriately.

Gloves

Gloves are one of the most common types of PPE found in healthcare settings. They may be made of vinyl, latex, or nitrile. However, due to allergy concerns, some facilities have limited their use of latex products.

Gloves should always fit the user’s hands comfortably—not too loose or too tight. They also should not be torn or damaged. Most gloves can withstand several hours of use before they need to be changed.

However, if you notice that they are heavily soiled or starting to tear, change the gloves before continuing a task.

Keep in mind that while gloves can protect you from contact with infectious materials, they can become a means for transmitting diseases once they're contaminated. To limit opportunities of touch contamination, do not touch clean surfaces, touch your face, or adjust PPE with contaminated gloves.

Similarly, always change gloves after use on each patient and discard them appropriately. Single-used gloves should never be washed, as it does not necessarily make them safe for reuse and can make them more prone to tearing.

Remember to take extra care when removing gloves to prevent contamination. Remove them at the wrist, then turn them inside out as you roll them down and off your hand.

Gowns

Disposable gowns reduce the chances of contaminating exposed skin and clothing. They should cover the torso fully and fit comfortably over the body, with the sleeves fitting snugly at the wrist.

When donning a gown, make sure that the garment’s opening is in the back and secure the ties at the neck and waist.

For safe removal, unfasten the ties at the back with ungloved hands, then slip the hands underneath the gown at the neck and shoulder area to peel it away. Slip one hand under the cuff of the opposite arm and pull the hand into the sleeve to hold the gown from inside.

Reach across and push the sleeve off the opposite arm. Finally, fold the gown inside out and roll it in a bundle for safe disposal.

Face Shields

Face shields are used when skin protection and mouth, nose, and eye protection are needed. It should extend from the forehead to below the chin and wrap around both sides of the face to provide complete protection.

When donning a face shield, position it over the face and secure it on the forehead using the headband. For safe removal, use ungloved hands to hold the headband and lift the face shield away from the face.

The Sequence of Donning and Removing PPE

The sequence in which you put on and remove PPE can affect the effectiveness of the equipment.

In general, remember to don PPE before entering the room or having contact with a patient, and remove PPE carefully either at the doorway or immediately outside the patient’s room.

The recommended sequence for donning PPE is as follows:

1. Gown
2. Face mask
3. Face shield
4. Gloves

Keep in mind that the combination of PPE used, and therefore the sequence for donning, may vary depending on the precautions taken.

Similarly, there is a recommended sequence for removing PPE to limit self-contamination. It is as follows:

1. Gloves
2. Face Shield
3. Gown
4. Face mask

Hand hygiene should always be performed after all PPE is removed.

ProNorth Medical is a trusted medical PPE supplier in North America. Our PPE products are tested and validated in Canada to ensure that they meet the utmost quality standards. Contact us at 844-537-0493 or email us at info@pronorthmed.ca for more information today.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been undoubtedly challenging for hospitals and medical staff worldwide. From long hours to staff shortages, overworking and burnout are common among doctors and nurses alike. However, these feelings are not unique to those who work in the medical field. Veterinarians have also been reporting increased stress levels and feelings of burnout due to the pandemic.

According to the Veterinary Wellbeing Study conducted by Merck Animal Health and the American Veterinary Medical Association, 9.7% of veterinarians and 18.1% of support staff are experiencing severe psychological distress. Additionally, nearly half of those surveyed reported high levels of burnout.

What is the cause of burnout and stress increase for veterinarians?

Veterinary services were declared essential early in the pandemic, but only for urgent care. As a result, there is a backlog of non-emergency services that many clinics are still working through today.

Many are quick to point to the increased demand for veterinary services due to a boom of new pet owners during the pandemic. However, this is not entirely accurate.

While pet adoption and fostering rates have increased during the pandemic, the increase in demand is likely due to pet owners simply paying more attention to their pets. Most owners are now working from home and noticing lumps, bumps, and symptoms they would’ve likely missed while working in the office.

Clientele growth is, of course, good news for any veterinary practice. Still, coupled with decreased efficiency due to reduced capacity and COVID-19 safety protocols, pet owners are forced to wait months for a veterinary appointment or drive far from home to receive care. Some clinics no longer allow owners to accompany their pets inside to reduce contact. This means that the veterinarian has to spend time speaking with the owner before and after the exam, adding more time per consultation and limiting how many patients can be seen per day.

However, 90% of responders to the Veterinary Wellbeing Study say that, much like the rest of the medical industry, a shortage of qualified staff is the primary concern and cause for overworking.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, veterinary technicians have one of the highest turnover rates among medical professions, second only to registered nurses. Retention has long been a challenge due to long hours, inadequate pay, and high emotional demand. Indeed, this issue pre-dates the pandemic.

In an ideal world, each veterinarian should have four support staff. However, most clinics are operating at a ratio of two to one. Although COVID-19 restrictions are lifted in some areas, and clinics are finally starting to catch up on backlogs, continued worker shortages are making a full recovery difficult.

Some suggested initiatives to solve worker shortages in the industry include:

• Increasing the number of accredited veterinary tech programs and increasing enrollment.
• Fully utilizing the skills of veterinary techs currently working in practice.
• Establishing master’s degree-level advanced training opportunities.

Compassion Fatigue

Compassion fatigue is a common symptom among veterinarians and animal caregivers. Also known as “vicarious trauma” or “secondary traumatic stress”, compassion fatigue results from a medical caregiver taking on the burden of an ill or dying patient.

It’s no surprise that the veterinary medical field attracts a lot of individuals who are highly compassionate and empathetic and have the drive to provide care for others. While caregiving work can provide compassion satisfaction, it can also lead to compassion fatigue after repeated exposure to traumatic events, such as abuse, illness, and death.

Veterinary professionals are at high risk for compassion fatigue. Like other caregivers, they have to deliver bad news to clients, confront animal cruelty, and deal with clients who struggle to afford care for their pets. Frequent ethical dilemmas and moral stress in practice also contribute to feelings of fatigue.

Symptoms of Compassion Fatigue

Compassion fatigue can show both psychological and physical symptoms. Some common signs include:

• Feelings of apathy
• Isolation
• Bottled up emotions
• Loss of pleasure from previously enjoyable activities
• Difficulty concentrating
• Chronic physical ailments
• Lack of self-care
• Feeling mentally and physically tired

Addressing Compassion Fatigue

Prioritizing self-care is crucial to preventing and recovering from compassion fatigue. Veterinarians and other caregiving professionals have an ethical responsibility to take care of their patients and keep themselves well so they can continue their work. Here are some personal approaches that can help alleviate symptoms of compassion fatigue:

• Focus on the basics: adequate sleep, good nutrition, and regular physical activity.
• Engage in active relaxation and mindfulness activities such as yoga and meditation.
• Block time to be alone with yourself.
• Engage with co-workers to celebrate successes and mourn sorrows.
• Connect with colleagues for support to remind you that you’re not alone.
• Practise expressive writing and journal for 15-20 minutes per day.
• Complete basic hygiene tasks every day.

At ProNorth Medical, we are dedicated to helping veterinary professionals improve patient outcomes and lower costs. From high-quality hand instruments to capital equipment, we supply easy-to-use and cost-effective veterinary equipment to help you overcome your unique challenges in the clinic. Contact us at 844-537-0493 or email us at info@pronorthmed.ca for more information today.

Surgical dentistry, including oral implantology, is the fastest-growing area in modern dentistry. General dentists are spending thousands of dollars each year on upgrading their credentials and equipment to be able to comfortably offer surgical services. While setup costs can be high, the rewards of such procedures are unprecedented, especially with almost life-altering results in a lot of cases.

Most clinicians check off a set list of equipment they think will suffice for their needs and most get by comfortably, but to take these services to the next level, a perfect mix of ergonomics, utility, and ease are required which are usually missing in most dental offices.

Most offices equip themselves with curated surgical kits, implant drill kits, surgical motors, regenerative materials, etc. and that is all the necessities covered. However, in my experience, most suffer through bigger cases due to the lack of adequate ergonomic space for all the equipment they need during the surgery.

The Problem

For example, have you ever felt the instruments get cluttered within the first 5 minutes of the procedure due to extremely small tabletop square footage? Or have you felt that the drill kits, implant motors, centrifuges combined don’t leave any room for anything else and dentists end up working in cramped spaces?

This, unfortunately, results in unsightly and septic clutter of instruments and discarded sundries, and eventual damage to the fine and expensive instrument tips for lack of a clutter-free arrangement.

The solution for this is to add more counter space, which is hardly ever a viable option in a running office: in general, it takes too much time, effort, and cost to increase that space and most ops are already using up all of the available room to allow for any extensions to counter space.

What is the solution?

The most practical and ergonomic solution to this is an over-the-patient surgical table. These tables are large and have enough space to accommodate instrument and drill kits and all the sterile material a surgeon may need throughout the surgery. They can be positioned in the most comfortable position for the surgeon and their assistant for a highly ergonomic reach. With an adjustable height, they can also work for operators who like to work standing up.

The stainless steel or aluminum tray can be disinfected and lined with sterile drapes to prepare for surgery and the table stowed away neatly after the procedure is done. This has proved to be a workhorse in my practice and has become an essential part of all new surgical setups.

Another important positive aspect of the over-the-patient surgical table is that it reduces the possibility of dental instruments falling to the floor. This only enhances the safe sterility of using an over-the-patient surgical table, and truly makes it a no-brainer for any dental surgeon. With its ability to smoothly glide across the floor, surgical tables mean you can keep all instruments or other surgical necessities close at hand at all times.

Ergonomics Are Crucial

During surgery, it’s pertinent that the dentist works in an ergonomically-safe environment. Thankfully, the over-the-patient surgical table makes this even more possible than a normal surgical table. It’s undeniable that ergonomics leads to better patient treatment, and, therefore, more positive surgical outcomes. An ergonomically-sound environment allows clinicians to achieve improved accuracy in all dental surgeries.

Saddle stools are another example of essential, ergonomically-sound office equipment. Among other benefits, these stools relieve neck, shoulder, and back pain, improve circulation, reduce fatigue, and improve digestion by allowing the spine to be in its natural position. Saddle stool best practices include sitting at a 135-degree angle with the legs spread out. This creates a hip abduction position that stabilizes the pelvis in an upright alignment. This position allows clinicians to improve their strength, hand acuity, and balance.

When used in tandem with the over-the-patient surgical table, these stools provide an optimal ergonomic setup for any dentist, and certainly shouldn’t be overlooked during the initial clinic setup stage.

You Won’t Regret It

At the end of the day, the over-the-patient surgical table is an essential piece of equipment for any surgical dental practice. The utility and ergonomic benefits of these tables, as well as their connection to improved patient satisfaction, make them a highly attractive option when compared to other surgical tables. Do give these a try, and be assured that you will never revert back to surgeries without them going forward.

Elevators and luxators are dental instruments that are used in the process of tooth extraction. While they look similar at first glance, they have subtle differences which make them suitable for different circumstances. Elevators have a relatively less sharp edge, are thicker, and feature a curved shoulder. They are suitable for use when extracting more deep-set teeth that require more force to tear the ligaments. Dental luxators on the other hand feature a slimmer build which is ideal for the extraction of teeth located in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth.

Why Fitting Matters

Fitting dental elevators and luxators matters because the process of tooth extraction requires force to be applied to the extraction process. This means that the dentist must be able to grip the handle of the instrument effectively. Not doing this often complicates the process as one is unable to hold the instrument properly.

Proper Fitting

When you are using an elevator or luxator, it is important to have the handle rested in the middle of the palm. You should also be able to touch the tip of the instrument with the index finger of the same hand. The latter is important for two reasons. First, it helps you to significantly increase the force that you are able to apply to the extraction process, making the extraction quick. Secondly, that index finger also allows you to control the movement of the instrument, which in turn results in less damage to the tissue around the tooth. Lastly, the index finger reduces the risk that the instrument will slip during the extraction process and also reduces hand fatigue.

While this may work for a small dental practice with a single dentist who can fit the instrument to his or her hand, practices with multiple dentists face a challenge. it may not be possible to have fitted elevators for everyone. Many dental practices get around this problem by purchasing the smallest dental instruments. This is because regardless of palm size, it is easier for everyone to work with small-handled elevators and luxators rather than big ones. However, if the practice has a dentist who has outsized hands, it makes more sense to get a set of instruments that are unique to such palm dimensions.

Glove Size Matters

Since practitioners using these instruments are likely to be wearing gloves, it is important to consider their glove sizes. While many people use glove size to determine the size of the shank, it is not always an accurate approach to go about fitting elevators and luxators. This is because similar-sized gloves tend to have different finger lengths. When purchasing these instruments, you should include this factor as well in order to ensure that the instruments can be used effectively.

Winged or Non-winged

Elevators can either be winged or non-winged. Winged elevators have a curved cusp which enhances the grip on the tooth during extraction. The choice on whether to use winged elevators or not often comes down to personal tastes. However, the cusp extends the length of the instrument which in turn changes the fitting.

If you are a healthcare provider, you probably do not need to be told why personal protective equipment (PPE) is critical in any medical setting. PPE helps to protect the healthcare worker from infection or injury from the biomaterial or chemicals they are handling. For example, when using corrosive substances such as acids, it can help to have safety glasses as well as other protective equipment to protect the eyes, face, and other parts of the body. 

In this article, we are going to look at personal protective equipment and in particular, explore some of the things that healthcare providers should know.

No One Size Fits All

Since a lot of PPE is bought in bulk by large medical facilities, there is a tendency for purchasing leads to use a one-size-fits-all approach. Nothing can be further from the truth and to make it worse, this behavior can lead to non-compliance. For example, many medical facilities purchase latex gloves without giving much thought to the fact that some of their healthcare workers may be allergic to latex. This in turn places such workers in a difficult position as using such gloves means that they suffer allergic reactions. In extreme cases, such healthcare workers may proceed with their duties without using medical gloves, with serious consequences.

The lesson here is that it is important to take a specific approach when it comes to PPE. You should understand the unique needs of your healthcare workers before proceeding to order PPE.

Sizing Matters

PPE is not just about its suitability for a particular purpose but it is also about size. If protective equipment does not fit, then it will not be as effective as it is supposed to be. This means understanding exactly who is going to wear the PPE and ensuring that the right sizes are available for everyone. For example, face masks that do not fit properly can leave critical parts of the face exposed to injury or infection.

Quality Matters as Well

As a healthcare worker, you may probably know that not all PPE is equal. Some medical gloves are better than others and so on. When it comes to purchasing PPE, you should remember that low-quality PPE gives your healthcare workers a false sense of protection while offering almost no kind of protection for them. This doubles the risk of injury or infection. Low-quality PPE is also bad for business as most of it will break or tear when in use or during sterilization. This means higher replacement costs and thus an impact on your bottom line.

Training Helps

To help your healthcare providers get the most out of the PPE, it is important to train them on how the equipment should be used and why it matters. Never assume that your workers know when to use PPE. 

At ProNorth Medical Corporation, we are determined to get you the best in PPE. We have many years of experience in this field so you can trust us to give you effective products and solutions.

Two of the most common dental instruments that are used in the extraction of teeth are elevators and luxators. While they generally look the same, there are some key differences between the two that make them unique to certain situations. We are going to look at the differences between elevators vs. luxators and the different situations in which they are used in tooth extraction procedures.

What Are Elevators?

Dental elevators look like luxators but there are some key differences in their design. Elevators tend to be thicker than luxators and feature a shoulder that is slightly bowed. In many cases, the elevators are not as sharp as luxators. While they work the same way i.e, gently prying teeth out of their gum sockets, their design makes them particularly better in certain situations. For example, when extracting a tooth that needs greater force to pull out, elevators work better than luxators. Another key design feature is the reduced sharpness as compared with luxators. Elevators also tend to rely on tearing ligaments in order to free the tooth, making them particularly suitable for dentists who are less familiar with recommended tooth extraction techniques.

Wings Vs. Non-Winged Elevators

Broadly speaking, there are two types of elevators namely winged and non-winged elevators. Wing elevators have a curved cusp whose purpose is to grip the target tooth secularly, making it unlikely that it will slip during elevation. Non-winged elevators do not have this cusp. The choice of whether to use a winged or non-winged elevator tends to be a personal choice. While most dentists tend to use winged elevators, non-winged variants work just as well. One of the things to note however is that the right size of a winged elevator must always be used. This is because if the elevator is not of the right size, the cusp tends to crush tissue and bone material surrounding the target tooth. This in turn creates more injury than necessary thus increasing the risk of infection.

Luxators

Dental luxators on the other hand tend to be slimmer and longer, a feature that allows them to have a sharper edge. While the elevators tear through the ligament, luxators tend to rely on their sharper edge to cut through the tissue. The thin design also makes them very suitable for working in tight spaces of the mouth. They are also designed to work in a rotational way that further enhances their ability to work in hard-to-reach spaces.

Which One to Use

As you may have already deduced, the choice of which of the instruments to use comes down to personal preferences and circumstances. For example, dentists who use aggressive approaches in tooth extraction, or those who frequently remove buccal bone matter prefer to use elevators thanks to their thicker and stronger frames. In many cases, however, dentists and veterinarians will tend to have both instruments and switch from one to the other depending on the nature of the extraction.

Stainless steel is one of the most commonly used metals when it comes to the manufacture of dental instruments. While titanium and other metals are also used, you are far more likely to find that stainless steel is used to make your favorite dental instrument. Stainless steel is ideal for dental instruments because it is strong and tough, lessening the likelihood of the instrument breaking. Due to the high hardness of surgical stainless steel, the tip life is prolonged and maintenance time is reduced. 

Here are some advantages of stainless steel dental instruments.

Easy to Maintain

Stainless steel does not stain easily. The fact that it remains shiny means that impurities can be spotted and easily cleaned off. A good example is dried blood or tissue. The dark red nature of this tissue material means that it is very easy to miss when cleaning out the instrument. This in turn can lead to cross infections. With stainless steel, the shiny surface stands in contrast to any foreign material, thus making cleaning easy.

Stainless Steel Does Not Corrode

Iron corrodes easily, especially when exposed to moisture. Most dental instruments will come into contact with moisture, whether in the process of sterilization or during use. Using iron instruments means that you run the risk of corrosion, which in turn may introduce harmful chemicals into the mouth of the patient. With stainless steel, you do not have to worry about such corrosion taking place.

Easy to Sharpen

Dental instruments need to be kept in the best shape possible. This means keeping cutting instruments sharp and so on. If you are not able to do this, you risk injury to your patients through un-sharpened cutting tools. Fortunately, steel instruments are very easy to sharpen. They also retain their sharpness for longer, ensuring that you do not wear out your cutting edge through constant sharpening.

Stainless Steel is Strong

The worst thing that could happen when you are using a dental instrument is to have it bend or break. For example, instruments used for dental extractions need to be strong enough to lift the tooth off without breaking. Stainless steel is super strong and this is why stainless steel instruments are a favorite for dentists all around the world.

Stainless Steel is Light

Unlike iron or other metals, stainless steel is very light. This makes stainless steel instruments easier to use. If the instruments were made of other metals, dentists would likely tire easily, especially when performing long procedures. By making dental instruments light, stainless steel enables doctors to undertake delicate operations without straining their arms.

At ProNorth Medical Corporation, we are focused on getting top-quality medical supplies to healthcare workers all across North America. We do this by sourcing equipment from top-quality manufacturers and ensuring that all our products are approved by regulatory agencies. We also bring you these medical products at very competitive prices. Our website is designed to make it easy for you to find any medical product that you are looking for.