Endodontic in a Covid-19 Environment

I just restarted practicing endodontics after about a 3 month forced sabbatical. Certain basic needs have not disappeared, including excellent vision to wade through pulp chamber calcifications as well as finding what are too often the receded orifices. With that realization almost immediately experienced, the first impediment to good vision is the face shield. It distorts imagery noticeable enough to denigrate what is my standard for optical  clarity prior to my taking a drill to the tooth.

So when gaining access into the pulp chamber and looking for canals, I find that the face shield must come off. Ok, I still have protection from the magnifying loops I wear. However, that barrier is eliminated when using the microscope, a tool I find essential in the majority of cases I treat. So. I have not found an adequate protection for the eyes while the nose and mouth are covered with the N-95 mask as well as the standard mask that fits over that. I might also add that the double mask has to be lowered a bit as it tends to creep up and press on the areas right below the eyes again having the potential to distort what we are seeing.

The rest of the equipment we wear has no impact on my ability to perform endodontics. We are having the patients rinse with 1.5 percent hydrogen peroxide, placing a rubber dam and wiping the clamped tooth with NaOCl prior to any drilling. We are still waiting for the arrival of high vacuum suction machines that will be employed to remove any aerosol that develops. 

To say the least, it is an interesting experience as I enter my 49th year as an endodontist.  Interested to hear from others what their experiences are and implementation of any steps that make things safer and hopefully, easier,

Regards, Barry