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    • Content Dam Diq Online Articles 2017 06 Augeruniformsthumb
    1. Dental Hygiene
    2. Student Hygiene

    Twice as Nice uniforms: Fashionable and temperature-regulating PPE

    June 20, 2017
    Amber Auger, RDH, discusses design features for the uniforms and PPE developed by Twice as Nice uniforms.

    By Amber Auger, RDH, MPH

    Augeruniformsmain
    The first time I saw a thermostat in a dental office in a lock box, I was shocked. After practicing hygiene for seven years, the “temperature war” in offices proves to be a common problem. Some team members are freezing and have space heaters, while some are feeling drops of sweat run down their back. Fear of overheating leaves the clinician compromising their own safety by removing protective lab coats or sleeves.

    Debora Carrier, RDH, has created a solution with her temperature-regulating fabrics that are offered in the Twice as Nice Uniforms.

    Personal protective equipment (PPE) was designed to protect the clinician from having infectious material hit their mucous membranes, including eyes, nose, ears, and mouth.(1) The visible spray that is created by ultrasonic scalers and handpieces can put clinicians at risk.(1)“OSHA mandates that dental health care workers wear gloves, surgical masks, protective eyewear, and protective clothing in specified circumstances to reduce the risk of exposures to bloodborne pathogens.”(1) When a clinician practices without covered arms, they are at risk for dermal absorption, which is dependent on the stratum corneum (outer layer of skin).(2)The risk of infection and cross contamination increases significantly.

    Twice as Nice uniforms are designed with a removable liner that aids in temperature regulation. The liners are made of performance fabrics that are thin and moisture-wicking to prevent a bulky appearance in the scrubs. The fabric is extremely low maintenance, iron-free, fade, and spill-free, all while maintaining its long-term shape.

    I have experienced the “temperature war” daily while in clinical practice. Sneaking around the doctor to lower the thermostat, which is set on “tropical resort” high or “arctic blast” low, can promote tension in the office. I encourage you to invest in your health and comfort, and, as my mentor Edie Gibson always says ... own your profession!

    Content Dam Diq Online Articles 2017 02 Augermugshotmsh
    Amber Auger, RDH, MPH, is a hygienist with experience in multiple clinical settings, including facilities abroad. Amber obtained a master's degree in public health from the University of New England and a bachelor's in dental hygiene from the University of New Haven. She holds a part-time position at an elite dental office in Boston, and is chief of clinical technology for Jameson Management. Amber Auger is a key opinion leader for several dental companies, speaker and published author, and can be contacted at amberaugerrdh.com.

    References

    1. CDC. Infection Control. 2015. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol/faq/protective_equipment.htm. Accessed May 25 2017.
    2. CDC. Skin Effects. 2015. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/skin/. Accessed May 25, 2017.