Dentist heads up PPE 3D-print project to supply COVID-19 NHS workers

Professor Shakeel Shahdad from Queen Mary’s Institute of Dentistry is project coordinator of a group that has 3D printed new visors for frontline staff at The Royal London Hospital.

The newly designed single-piece visor can hold acetate sheets to provide full face and neck protection for use during consultations and aerosol-generating procedures.

The head bands are re-usable after disinfection with alcohol wipes or when submersed in disinfecting solution, and the acetate and elastic band are disposable. The design has been approved by the Barts Health Infection Control team for use in the Emergency Department, Critical Care Unit and other wards.

The Queen Mary University of London community includes researchers, clinicians and support staff and they have stepped in to assist the NHS with urgent requirements of personal protective equipment (PPE) to combat the pandemic.

Queen Mary’s Blizard Institute is working with colleagues in the university’s School of Engineering and Materials Science, School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science, the Institute of Dentistry and Barts Health NHS Trust to 3D print new visors for frontline staff at The Royal London Hospital.