The present invention provides dental amalgam recycling systems, useful for recycling particles from a dental liquid effluent drawn, for example, from a suctioning device.

A dental waste containment system having a treatment stage to reduce the contaminant levels of the stored fluid. The treatment stage may include a settling canister disposed before the fluid storage reservoir to remove and contain at least some solid contaminants from the fluid waste before the fluid waste is moved into storage. The system may include a bypass subcircuit to allow fluid waste to selectively bypass the treatment stage. The present invention also provides a method of collecting, containing and transporting dental waste that includes separate containment of solid and fluid dental waste. The method includes at least partial separation and containment of solid contaminants in the treatment stage before the fluid dental waste is moved into separate storage. The accumulated fluid dental waste and accumulated solid waste may be separately collected from the system and separately transported to a remote facility for treatment, reclamation and/or disposal.

Sample collection apparatus and methods of sample collection are provided, for example saliva collection apparatus and methods of saliva collection. Said apparatus conveniently comprises a filter assembly and an interface for delivering material from the apparatus to an assay unit.

The present invention provides an apparatus adapted for ejection of material, e.g., saliva, from the mouth of a patient during a dental procedure. The apparatus has at least two distal openings such that material may be ejected simultaneously from at least two locations within the patient's mouth. The invention provides a suction apparatus having a proximal tube, which may couple with a standard waste container apparatus having a suction source.

The invention comprises an assortment of apparatuses to magnetically tether a dental hygienist's hand to the utility tubes and hoses commonly found in a dental office. In a preferred embodiment, this consists of an adjustable silicone utility band containing a magnet which is worn by the hygienist. This tethers him or her to a utility hose or tube, which has a clasp that contains a reciprocal magnet. In other embodiments, the invention comprises rings or fingergrips which contain magnets that tether to the utility hose or tube via the magnetized clasp.

A dental valve device having a disposable turret is disclosed having a valve body having a tip receiving end, a hose receiving end, a lumen formed between the tip receiving end and the hose receiving end, an opening formed in the valve body, and a rotatable valve sealing body adapted to being inserted into the opening, the rotatable valve sealing body having a bore for alignment with the lumen formed between the tip receiving end and the hose receiving end, the bore having a tip receiving end opening and a hose receiving end opening, the rotatable valve sealing body having an outer surface having an indentation formed in the outer surface adjacent to the tip receiving end opening with the indentation having an upper ramp portion, a lower ramp portion, and an end having a tab portion.

An adapter for a tailpiece for a dental valve is disclosed which has a body having an exterior surface, a valve receiving end, a tailpiece receiving end, a lumen formed between the valve receiving end and the tailpiece receiving end, the lumen having an interior surface, an interior annular groove formed in the interior surface, and an exterior annular rib formed in the exterior surface, with the exterior annular rib being positioned near the tailpiece receiving end and the interior annular channel being positioned near the valve receiving end.

An adapter for a tailpiece for a dental valve is disclosed which has a body having an exterior surface, a valve receiving end, a tailpiece receiving end, a lumen formed between the valve receiving end and the tailpiece receiving end, the lumen having an interior surface, an interior annular groove formed in the interior surface, and an exterior annular rib formed in the exterior surface, with the exterior annular rib being positioned near the tailpiece receiving end and the interior annular channel being positioned near the valve receiving end.

A saliva ejector device comprises a handle having a passageway in fluid communication between a vacuum device and a saliva ejector. The saliva ejector device comprises an automatic switching mechanism comprising a button that is switchable between open and closed positions to allow or restrict restricts airflow. The button can be automatically actuatable, via a compliant device in the handle, when an individual places the handle in the cradle or removes the handle from the cradle. The compliant device can be a tube that allows or restricts airflow about the passageway, or a spring in the passageway that actuates the button. A saliva ejector device comprises a handle having an upper housing rotatably coupled to a lower housing to selectively switch the handle between open and closed positions to allow or restrict airflow about the handle. A handle adapter has a spherical body for an individual to cup or hold to improve ergonomics. Associated systems and methods are provided.

The embodiment provides a high-volume evacuation tip perforated with round shape apertures covered by vent shells with upgraded capability of capturing escaping saliva and surgical debris during dental operation, as well as its total mass flow capability with soft silicone rubber nozzle. The high-volume suction tip for dental procedures has a cylinder or tubular-shaped, having two open ends. Forward-facing end has a soft silicone rubber nozzle is round in shape reducing patient pain and discomfort due to contact of hard plastic suction with soft tissue of patient with several vertical milling cutters to improve maximum effectiveness of fluid absorption, preventing clogging a surgical aspirator and prevent traumatic absorption of the patient tongue. Posterior end has vertical cutting shape. The suction tip has increase impact force compare to similar suction tips without the plurality of apertures or with few of them.