Simple wiping of the surfaces between patients on dental evacuation valves will not clean the valve(s). It is recommend the IFU (Instruction for use) is followed to properly clean valve components to reduce cross contamination risk.

1. Clinics most impacted include:
-Larger Dental Clinics
-Public Sector (VA, Military, Federal)
-Indian Health Services
-Dental Schools & Teaching Programs
Many (NOT ALL) of the above mentioned clinics are starting to
follow the correct cleaning processes between patients according
manufacturers instructions to reduce the cross contamination risks
- November 2019 -
Dental Evacuation Valve
Cleaning Comparison
Breakdown of Cleaning Cost Analysis
When the IFU is followed
(Instructions For Use)

2. Discard into trash
(5 Seconds)
Remove DOVE Valve from
Vacuum Tubing/Discard
(5 Seconds)
Replace with New Valve/Test
(5 Seconds)
Estimated Workflow Time:
15 Seconds Per Valve
$2.50 Per HVE Valve
$2.20 Per Saliva Ejector Valve
Number of Staff: 1
Remove HVE Valve from Vacuum Tubing
(5 Seconds)
Disassemble & Scrub the HVE Valve
According to the Manufacturer
(2 Minutes)
Transfer the HVE Valve(s) to SPS
(1 Minute)
Wrap or Cassette for Processing
(30 Seconds)
-requires misc. supplies
Autoclave Instruments 132-134’C
Fast Cycle - 6 Minutes/Standard - 20 Minutes
(2 Minutes to load/document/monitor/unload)
Transport Clean HVE Valve(s) to Dental
(1 Minute)
Reassemble the HVE Valve
Lubricate O-Rings
(1 Minute)
Unwrap /Install / Test HVE Valve
(5 Seconds)
Estimated Workflow Time:
11+ Minutes Per Valve
Average Cost Per Valve:
Labor: $2-3 ($15-$20/Hr)
Autoclave: Est $1/1.32 Per (220V)
Wrap/Lube: $.10/.20 Per Cycle
$3 - $4.00 Per Valve Cost
Number of Staff: 2+
Risks and Concerns:
Adds Complexity to SPS
Valve Leakage
Cross Contamination
Backflow risk 23%
Performance Degrades
Large Valve & Parts Inventory
Cannot Guarantee 100% Clean
1
2
1 2
3
4 5
6
Between Patient Maintenance / All steps follow the Mfr-IFU in Large Clinics
7
Disposable DOVE Evacuation Valve Process
Large Clinic Between Patient Evacuation Valve Process