Travel and Procurement, Not Packaging, Drive a Dental Practice's Carbon Footprint
Two independent studies quantify where a dental practice's carbon footprint actually comes from — and packaging is the smallest slice, not the biggest.
Blog
Practical notes on dental infection control, barrier protection and imaging equipment, written for the people who use them every day.
The EU's New Implant Exemption List Includes 'Dental Barriers.' Here's What That Is
Two 2026 EU delegated regulations ease MDR review for mature dental devices. The exemption list uses the term 'dental barriers' -- and it is not what you might assume.
ISO 11607-3 Covers the Pouch Seal, Not Your Sterilization Routine
A new ISO standard sets out how manufacturers validate heat-sealing on sterile barrier pouches. It's voluntary and aimed at suppliers, not practices — but it's a fair question for…
What an IP68 Rating on Your Sensor Doesn't Tell You
Sensor spec sheets now list IP67 or IP68 ratings. That number tests water and dust ingress, not disinfection — and it doesn't change CDC's barrier and disinfecting requirements be…
What the EU's New Reference-Level Recommendation Means for Dental X-Rays
The EU's February 2026 Recommendation reshapes how national dose reference levels are built. A 2025 survey shows dental CBCT still has patchy coverage across Europe.
The EU's MDR Fix Won't Undo What Your Supplier Already Discontinued
The Commission's December proposal would cut compliance costs for small device makers going forward. It does nothing about the products they have already dropped.
The Cleaning Instructions on Your Sensor Box Just Became a Listed Hazard
ECRI's 2026 hazard report names inconsistent manufacturer cleaning instructions as a patient-safety risk, not staff technique. Here's what that means for sensors, cameras and hand…
Notified Bodies Now Have Deadlines. Your Barrier Sleeves Never Needed One.
The Commission's own July 2026 survey shows equipment certificates taking over a year. New EU deadlines target notified bodies — Class I barrier sleeves were never in that queue.
Kerr's Demi Pro Has a Rotating Tip. Here's What That Means for Your Barrier Sleeve.
Kerr's new Demi Pro curing light rotates a full circle at the tip. That changes when you fit the barrier sleeve, not just whether you use one.
What EN 556's 2024 Edition Means for Your Sterile Drapes and Gowns
In April 2025 the EU harmonised new 2024 editions of EN 556, the standard behind the word STERILE on medical devices. Here's what to check before reordering drapes, gowns and suct…
The Reusable-vs-Disposable Research Doesn't Cover Every Barrier You Use
A 2022 life-cycle study puts real numbers on disposable vs. reusable PPE. Here's what those numbers apply to in your practice, and why equipment barriers are a different decision…
Short-Staffed Practices Need Barriers That Don't Need a Second Pair of Hands
Hygienist and assistant recruitment is still difficult, and EU guidance now asks for more documented infection-control effort. Here's what that means for your barrier protocol.