While dentists have always been concerned with infection control when treating patients they used in the past, there were simpler methods of preventing infection. Gloves were used only for surgical procedures in years past. When possible, masks should be worn with patients and kept on hand throughout the day. Protective gowns were an exception and not the norm.

A few decades later, both dentists and patients are much more aware of the importance of infection control. New technologies have helped to reduce the risk of infection.

Backflow is one of these new technologies that addresses a safety concern that has been overlooked until recently. Backflow is a danger of cross-contamination due to saliva evacuation systems that are used to extract saliva. This can happen during routine cleanings or more complex procedures. It works like this: If you place your lips around the tip of the saliva-ejector straw in your dentist’s office and close your mouth, the vacuum line pressure can drop. This can allow any previously evacuated fluid to flow backwards, or even into the current patient’s teeth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that this occurs to approximately 1 in 5 patients who close the lips around the saliva-ejector tips.

So what do you do? St. Louis-based may be the answer. Stoma DentalDOVE Backflow Prevention Vave, a disposable saliva-ejector valve has been developed by. This valve prevents backflow, and virtually eliminates cross-contamination risks between patients. This valve allows for only one-way flow and suction. An internal flap also prevents backflow.

“After decades of concern about backflow, it is exciting and important to have this new option available to offer to dental professionals and their patients, as it brings a new level of confidence to their infection-control efforts,”Gytis Udrys DDS is in private practice with Powell & Udrys, Saline MI.

You can use the DOVE backflow prevention valve by simply flipping a switch. The mechanism works in this manner: Any dentist or hygienist, as well as any dental assistant, can simply flip a switch to activate the switch and open and close it. These disposable valves can be removed from the vacuum line at the end of every procedure and disposed of in seconds. This is in contrast to traditional metal valves which can take up to 10 minutes and require two staff members to disassemble.

Visit this site for more information www.besafedental.com.

Today’s life is very fast. People can check their kids’ soccer scores on the phone, while also sending emails to work with the help of digital technology. Consumers can expect the same conveniences and benefits from all businesses, including their insurance companies, thanks to the internet age. For many people struggling to pay their medical bills, this can seem like a long wait, even though 98 percent of claims for health insurance are processed in 30 days.

It is no longer enough to be insured, as nearly two-thirds of American households have less income than 2002. It is vital to understand how quickly and efficiently your insurance carrier pays claims. This is important for both financial and medical recovery.

Recent research found that 66% would not be able to adjust to the high financial cost of serious illnesses or injuries. Only 49% of those surveyed have less than $1,000 to cover out-of pocket expenses. Employers are being forced to take cost-saving measures due to rising health care costs, which is putting even more financial pressure on employees.

* Increasing employees’ health care insurance copayments.

* Increasing employees’ share of premium.

* Implementing high-deductible health plans with health savings accounts.

Some people might have to wait as long as a month to receive their insurance payments. Many insurance companies are able to provide customers with fast service thanks to modern technology and better understanding of their needs. This is just one example. AflacIt is almost rare for insurance companies to offer policies that include claims processing, approval, and payment in a single day.

In the past, fast payment policies were a luxury. It’s a necessity. It is more important than ever that you have money available immediately for serious injuries or illnesses. Your insurance company should be able to respond quickly.

Aflac’s One Day Pay Promise can be found at aflac.com/onedaypay.