Idea Exchange: Incline patients to avoid aspiration during dental scaling
In addition to endotracheal intubation, to help keep patients from aspirating water from the dental scaler, we place patients on our wet treatment table on a slope by using a wooden riser.
In addition to endotracheal intubation, to help keep patients from aspirating water from the dental scaler, we place patients on our wet treatment table on a slope by using a wooden riser. To make the riser, cut a 2-in-x-2-in board to the length of the outside width of your table plus ½ in. Then cut two 3-in long pieces to make the end caps. Nail the end caps onto the board to keep the riser from slipping into the tub, and paint the riser with exterior paint. We store the riser under the faucet end of the table.
Debbie Bess, office manager
Carson City, Nev.
