Dental Isolation and Sterilization Station

Goal and Motivation

Our design seeks to provide a complete and safe working environment for dentists. The goal is to achieve 100% protection against COVID-19 (for both patient & dentist) by entirely isolating the patient while providing a comfortable and easily accessible working space for dentists.

We have noticed the dramatic decrease of dental work because of the very high risk of infection with Covid-19, which is devastating for both patients in need and dentists in private and public sectors. Moreover currently used solutions in the dental field (like using gas-type masks) do not provide complete protection for both desists and patients and it also contaminates the air and working space.

We then interviewed several dentists to understand their needs, fears, job requirements and limitations. And hence we came up with the concept and starting developing it step by step.

Expected Impact

We have interviewed multiple dentists at different levels in multiple dental fields (private sector, public sector and university hospitals) showing them our conceptual design, and the feedback was very encouraging. More than 85% of those interviewed said that the design is applicable, helpful and better than currently used solutions, stating that they would use it in their work every single operation.

Our project influences the whole dental equipment market. Having an almost 100% isolation between the patient and the dentist is a crucial feature in such a medical sector were infections spread quickly. The Dental Isolation and Sterilization Station will help in the control of infection process against the Covid-19 threat and other infectious pathogens that could be transmitted such as HIV, and Hepatitis - C. Furthermore, the design has the versatility to be used in various sectors such as Private, Governmental, and Educational institutions due to its relatively affordable low cost, simplistic assembly and design, and user-friendly management. Adding on, the device allows doctors to maintain a correct posture while operating, thus benefiting the dentists against lumbar injuries on the long run, while giving the patients a sense of protection as they are protected from the environment around them, resulting in the appeal to once again visit the dentist.

How the System Works

The design consists of four major components:

1- Enclosure box

2- Glove Moving Area

3- Disinfectant Spraying system

4- Ventilation System

The enclosure box provides a complete barrier from all sides for maximum infection control, as shown in the figures following; complete isolation is achieved while keeping a barrier-free feeling with the three glove inputs. The box is fully customized to allow the operator to use the full features of the dental chair that includes but not limited to, light-adjusting, easy access to the feet pedals with the pedal extension feature and the option of having an assistant in the two other non-occupied slots.

The glove inputs give a 360◦ interaction zone with the patient at three different positions, furthermore; each glove position gives maximum movement not only around the oral cavity but around the head and neck area. This is achieved by allowing the entrance of the whole arm inside the moving glove section.

Moreover, the design contains a disinfectant sprayer that covers the whole side/front walls, the latex glove, and the equipment used. This disinfectant system will be activated by a press of a button after the patient leaves the box and mechanically loaded by an individual through a foot pump.

Additionally, the design includes a ventilation system which is integrated into the enclosed room; maintaining good circulation of air while avoiding the further spread of the virus, which was a crucial issue to overcome. Thus, to sustain this matter, the device will come with a Negative Pressure Ventilation option. In which a lower air pressure allows outside air into the room. This entails having a room or unit in which the infected air is rerouted, away from other patients and hospital staff

And Lastly, the design provides a doorway entry as shown in the figure for easy entrance of the chair in the assembly part with the wheels attached for movement in all four directions.

Design Modification Is Open Source

Although the ideas are 100% innovated by the team, we are open to any design modifications which will impact the utility, effectiveness, and cost of the dental station. We are open to further discussions with experts in the fields of density to further improve the design before the implementation. Moreover, after implementation, we will carry out surveys to doctors who used the station to get feedback and look for further improvements.

Manufacturing and Assembly Instructions

The Device can be completed through locally produced and standardized parts (Parts shown in the Table) and assembled through basic hand tools, with a minimum need for machining through the following steps:

List of Parts:

• The Base frame will be attained in a rectangle, dimensions of (260x110 cm) with the four 360 wheels assembled in each corner.
• Six Vertical 200 cm beams are screwed through joints in the Base frame, four in each corner and two 125 cm away from the left side.
• 8 mm PVC panels are slid in the designated gutters which are integrated into the metal frame, silicon glue is added to seal the gaps if needed.
• Six Horizontal 125 cm beams are screwed perpendicularly through three-headed T joints to the left-sided corner and middle vertical beams.
• Horizontal mechanical rails are screwed in the Horizontal beams with two sliders on each rail.
• Two vertical mechanical rails are screwed 60 cm apart on the Horizontal mechanical rails.
• The Accordion shaped plastic is silicon glued between the Corner vertical beam and the Vertical mechanical rail. And this is repeated with the Vertical mechanical rails and the Glove inputs.
• The curricular Glove inputs and mounting clamps are placed 30 cm apart from their centres, the inner and outer discs are screwed together with 8 screws.
• The Gloves are then placed over the outer disc and pushed through the hole, a rubber tension band is placed to secure the glove, and a metal clamp is tightened to secure it in place.
• A door frame with a PVC panel is screwed in on the right side of the device with a rubber seal around the edges, two-door hinges and a simple door handle are included.

The Disinfecting system:

• The tank is placed at the floor near one of the corners, rubber tubes are secured up the walls, three sprinklers are placed through the roof of the device, with silicon gaskets securing it.

The Ventilation system:

• An air input duct is placed in the roof and tightened with screws.
• An air suction duct is placed at the bottom of one of the side walls.

Estimated Cost for a Functioning Full-Scale Prototype – Primary Bill of Materials (BOM).

A brief Video Explaining the Project:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QnIWv0wt6Fka3JZSyWdRx2E89Lpo5mOW/view?usp

Reference Pictures: