You know that health care professionals, including your dentist, wear face masks in order to prevent the spread of infections, illnesses, and keep droplets of fluid from making contact with their mouth. However, you may not know that there are many different types of masks out there, each created for a different purpose. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) develops and publishes standards for many different products, materials, systems, and services, including medical face masks. Continue reading to learn more about the different levels and what your dentist wears when you are being treated.
What Are the Three Levels of Face Masks?
Here are the three levels of ASTM barrier protection when it comes to face masks:
- Level 1: Low barrier protection masks are used for lower risk, non-surgical procedures and exams that do not use aerosols, sprays, or fluids.
- Level 2: Moderate barrier protection masks are ideal for procedures with low to moderate levels of aerosols, sprays, and fluids.
- Level 3: Maximum barrier protection masks are used for any situation where there is potential exposure to leavy levels of aerosols, sprays, and fluids.
How Are Face Masks Tested?
There are five performance metrics that the ASTM uses to test the masks:
- Fluid Resistance: The way they test this is by evaluating the resistance of the medical face mask to the penetration of a small volume of synthetic blood at a high velocity. After a physical examination of the blood penetration, the mask will either pass or fail.
- Bacterial Filtration: This test measures the percentage of bacteria larger than 3 microns filtered out by the mask.
- Particulate Filtration: In order to test this, the percentage of particles larger than 1 micron filtered out by the mask is measured.
- Breathability: This test determines how resistant a mask is to airflow. A controlled flow of air is driven through the mask. The pressure before and after is measured. A lower breathing resistance means more comfort for the wearer.
- Flammability: To test the flammability of the mask, it is exposed to a flame. The time required for the flame to proceed up the material 5 inches is recorded.
What Type of Mask Does My Dentist Wear?
During this time, the entire clinical team, including your dentist, hygienist, and assistants, are double masking at all times. They are using both an ASTM Level 3 mask and an N95 mask, which is a particulate-filtering facepiece respirator. N95 masks meet the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and filter at least 95% percent of airborne particles. The team is also wearing face shield over their two masks as an additional barrier against airborne particles. When your dentist is safe, so are you!
Masks are just one of the many ways that your dentist is preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the office. During your next appointment, you can feel safe knowing that your dental team has your well-being in mind.
About the Practice
At NeoSmile Dental Care, you have not one, but two well-experienced dentists providing quality care to patients in the Spring House area. Dr. Amy E. Farrell pursued her doctorate at the University of Maryland Dental School. Dr. Krunal Patel earned his dental degree from the prestigious New York University College of Dentistry. They are taking 18 additional steps, including wearing additional PPE, to keep themselves and their patients safe. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (215) 643-5220.
