One dentist uses this system to clean the air both at work and at home.
T. John Megas Jr, DMD
The Jade air purifier is a medical-grade air system that features a negative ion generator and 6-stage filtration and sterilization that captures dust particles, bio-aerosols, viruses, allergens, odors, and more. The unit is said to be remarkably quiet as it delivers 6 changes per hour. At just 33 inches tall, the JADE system is compact and is compatible with a standard outlet.
Surgically Clean Air
877-440-7770 | surgicallycleanair.com
John Megas Jr, DMD, a periodontist with 2 practices in Massachusetts, first invested in the Cascade and JADE air purification systems from Surgically Clean Air about 2 years ago, equipping both offices with multiple units. As a member of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, he was interested in dental operatory air quality and wanted to find systems that effectively remove harmful molds, viruses, and bacteria.
After the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) shutdowns, Megas decided to invest in additional units. He felt he needed even more air purification to keep everyone safe, he says, and communicated his commitment to air quality to his patients through e-newsletters and chairside talks.
“Before we reopened, we let patients know we were following CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] recommendations, but in addition to that, we also have Surgically Clean Air systems, and we consider that a step above normal air filtration,” he says. “Patients were very responsive to that. The first thing patients comment on when they walk into the practice is how fresh and clean the air smells and how it feels energized. I’ve been thrilled by that.”
Units in 2 Sizes
The Cascade, the larger of the systems, uses the company’s 6-stage filtration process to capture dust particles, pollen, volatile organic chemicals, mold, allergens, viruses, odors such as formaldehyde and smoke, bio-aerosols, nitrous oxide, and other pollutants. It can quietly clean the air throughout indoor spaces up to 1,700 square feet and features a sleek design.
The more compact JADE unit is designed for smaller spaces and features the same filtration technology, modern design, and quiet operation, turning over operatory air every 5 minutes. Both units produce negative ions that bind to positive ions in the air to improve and energize it.
“I even have a few of these units in my home. I’m addicted,” Megas says. “I’m in the process of buying another office, and when I walked in, I said, ‘The air quality is terrible.’ So, I’m going to have to do something about that.”
Easy Upkeep
Maintenance is simple, according to Megas. When a filter needs to be changed, he gets an alert. One of his assistants removes the filter and puts it in the shower for cleaning. He puts a backup filter in so the system can continue running.
The UV-C light system, which has been shown to kill bacteria, viruses, and mold, is also easy to maintain, Megas says. It must be changed every year, but again, the system indicates when the light is becoming weak and needs to be switched out.
Keeping Everyone Healthy
Although Megas can’t say for certain whether anyone in his practice has gotten sick since he invested in the Surgically Clean Air systems, illnesses in team members are now short-lived and no longer spread through the office. His team members love the fresh air that greets them when they enter the building, and one employee who has allergies noticed an improvement and looks forward to her time in the office.
Patients appreciate the practices’ commitment to keeping the air clean, especially with concerns surrounding COVID-19. “The dental environment is pretty toxic, and that deserves attention,” Megas says. “If you’re serious about taking care of your patients, your staff, and yourself, you really need to clean the air. Standard HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems recirculate and clean the air somewhat, but, at this point, I don’t think that’s enough for a dental office. Patients are very receptive to coming back into the office knowing we have this air-sterilization system operating. It’s reassuring for everyone.”
