Advances in workplace safety has had effects on more than construction sites. Even hospitals and dentists offices have benefited from new tools and equipment. One innovation that has improved safety and sanitation is dental safety glasses. Safety goggles are usually associated with power tools and heavy machinery, but dental goggles allow dentists to do their job without the worry of catching germs from open mouths. They work in the same way that surgical masks and other protective clothing do. They protect the eyes from saliva or particles that may get flipped out of the mouth during a cleaning. This prevents eye injuries and contamination from germs in saliva.These products are clear, unlike some other safety glasses, because they are used indoors and don't need to protect the eyes from sunlight. They do, however, still repel ultraviolet rays. The lenses are usually polycarbonate and made to be shatterproof. This improves protection even if something does break the glasses. These glasses are less likely to use one piece, wrap around lenses, instead opting for two lenses with full or half frames.
Because dentists are working in close quarters and may need magnification, some pairs are also made with bifocal lenses. This allows dentists to work normally and still read without switching glasses. There are several different strengths of magnification available. Other options include anti-fog coatings that can help keep the lenses clear even when close to a patient's mouth. Scratch resistant coatings are also applied to make them more durable.
