16 July 2021

---

Dental aerosol-blocker reaches finals in a design contest

Katherine E. Pfaff

---

AirGuard, a vacuum aerosol spray-blocker designed by dentist Dr. James Orrington II, has been selected as a finalist in televised America By Design contest. The device uses a transparent shield to block droplets from patients without interfering with visualization and draws the fluid from the area with the dental vacuum. 

Inspired by COVID-19, the device can help protect from viruses, bacteria, and other issues to create a safer environment for dental offices. The device was developed based on feedback from dental facilities. 

"We had some key features we knew needed to be included in the final product," said Michael Prince, president of Beyond Design. This product development company collaborated with Dr. Orrington. "It had to be easy to install and transport, it had to be safe, intuitive, reliable, and functional, and it had to be easy to service and maintain. We were proud to be able to work on a project that was challenging, urgent, and genuinely important for a public benefit during a challenging time."

AirGuard was created with three models with varying degrees of complexity, including a protective shield that works with a dental vacuum and a screen, camera, and lighting device. 

Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dental-office-safety-accessory-airguard-named-as-finalist-in-america-by-design-contest-301324643.html