With all the worries people have about going to the dentist, breathing unhealthy air shouldn’t be one of them. Yet, according to the Occupational Information Network developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, four of the top five most unhealthy jobs are dental hygienist, dentist, dental laboratory technician and dental assistant.

The need for air purification for dental offices is one big reason. Dental offices are public, high-traffic spaces, with patients themselves a source of air pollution from the particles continually exfoliated from their skin. These include Staphylococcus aureus, a leading cause of infections. And with the advent of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MRSA (Multi-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus), the need to prevent the spread of airborne viral and bacterial infectious agents is greater than ever.

In addition, more bacterial, viral and fungal particles are introduced into the air in the course of treating patients. To start with, the human mouth can harbor more than 350 different types of bacteria. Drilling into teeth, bones and tissues also disperses microbes from saliva and blood into the air. These fine droplets can stay airborne for hours, a source of potential infection for staff and patients alike. Plus, mercury vapors can enter the air when amalgam fillings are removed

Ultrasonic instruments and the constant need to disinfect surfaces create bio-aerosols that make air quality even worse. These particles, along with fine and ultra-fine particles, reach deep into lungs and can be absorbed into the bloodstream. That’s bad for patients and even worse for the dental professionals who are exposed these particles every day.

On the other hand, breathing fresh, clean, energizing air results in more productivity, fewer respiratory illnesses, and a safer, healthier environment for patients and staff alike. That’s where an air purifier like Blueair Pro comes in.

Blueair Pro offers powerful air purification performance in a small space. Or practically none at all: An optional wall mount can keep Pro out of the way of equipment in a cramped treatment room and make it easier to clean the floor. All Pro models are solidly built, with a galvanized steel housing to stand up to high traffic and backed by an extended warranty.

Blueair Pro models are available with the Blueair Air Intelligence Module (standard on the Pro XL model). This module allows the dental clinic to set the air purifier to auto mode. The module automatically tests particle and gas levels in your indoor air. Based on these levels, it adjusts the fan speed to continuously maintain the optimal clean-air environment. The results are displayed on informative, easy-to-read indicators.