As the COVID-19 pandemic has raged in India, there is a need for upgraded equipment in the dental world to tackle the crisis and set our practices into “the new normal”. A newly developed sanitizing system was innovated by JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research. The Design particularly useful for sanitizing dental chairs, clinical tools, equipment and treatment areas using ultraviolet (UV) reflectors by discharging ultraviolet band-C radiations. This radiation has proven to kill viruses, bacteria and germs. Various studies have shown that UV-C can effectively kill SAR/Covid-19 viruses effectively on surfaces if the surfaces are exposed to a recommended duration.

This system is quick and easy to deploy, on a swivel wheel castor mounted trolley. It comprises of two UV reflectors mounted at the top and two mounted at the bottom with swing arms and each reflector having a 180-degree swivel capability with friction lock, giving one more axis of freedom. The swing arms have the provision to adjust the height according to the user’s requirement. This added benefit of adjusting the arms can be useful in sanitizing every surface of the dental chair, as the user sees fit. It is easy to use and can be operated efficiently by the auxiliary staff as well. Also, it can be used as 360-degree sanitization of any room when left with all four swivel arms facing in four different directions. It can be folded and stowed away in a corner when not in use.

It comprises of a built-in UV-C timer which has a combination of alert sounds and two safety indicators configured to protect the user from UV-C radiations. The timer switch comes with 7 preset treatment/dosage times, which can be selected by the user. Once the timer is started, the timer provides 40 seconds “Go Away” time with a series of accelerating beeps. At the end of 40 seconds, the timer switches on the UV lights. After completion of the exposure time set, the timer switches off automatically. It turns ON UV Lights only after giving adequate alert warning to its users and people around and hence, helps the users use this system safely without exposing themselves or their staff to UV-C radiation and only irradiating the equipment that is needed to be sanitized.

This innovative ultraviolet sanitization system provides 360-degree sanitization and hence provides the best coverage of the target area to be sanitized. It ensures safety of the users by using a UV timer, provides modular design, can be used in all kind of facilities, is economical and easy to use.

Team of inventors: Dr. Nandlal Bhojraj Dr. Srinivasa Murthy Dr. Ravindra Shivamurthy Dr. Nagendra Ramakrishna Shetty.