Detection Efficacy of a Novel Disposable Dental Protective Device versus Medical Goggles in Reducing Splatter Exposure during Tooth Preparation: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: This randomised controlled trial compared a novel disposable dental protective device with traditional medical goggles regarding splatter interception, patient experience, and safety during tooth preparation. METHODS: Seventy patients were allocated to use either the novel device (experimental group, n = 35) or medical goggles (control, n = 35) during standardised tooth preparation without suction. The primary outcome was the weight of captured splatter. Secondary outcomes included the total patient-reported outcome score derived from a seven-item, five-point Likert questionnaire and facial pressure sensation assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: The experimental group captured significantly more splatter (1.23 ± 0.35 g) than the control group (0.76 ± 0.21 g, mean difference 0.47 g, 95% confidence interval 0.33 to 0.61, P 0.001). Patients rated the novel device significantly higher with regard to the total subjective score, material softness, hygiene, protection, comfort, and overall satisfaction (P 0.001), and reported lower facial pressure (VAS 1.80 ± 1.19 vs 4.50 ± 2.10, P 0.001). No serious adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION: The novel disposable device demonstrated superior splatter interception, better patient acceptance, and less facial pressure compared to medical goggles, showing promise for enhancing facial protection in dentistry.