Richmond’s Soft BiteBlock^® Named A Bronze Winner Of The 2020 Edison Awards™

Charlotte, NC – March 18, 2020 The Edison Awards^® winners were announced on March 18, 2020. The Soft BiteBlock^® by Richmond Dental and Medical took the Bronze Award for the Dental/Medical category.

Richmond Dental & Medical is the first manufacturer to bring a soft bite block to market for clinical anesthesia use. Richmond Soft BiteBlock^® helps protect the airway device (Endotracheal Tube or Laryngeal mask airway), teeth, and tongue during emergence from general anesthesia. The Soft BiteBlock‘s dense shape allows for consistent compression performance when placed between a patient’s molars with the tongue positioned medially. Compliant with Joint Commission’s recommendations for single-use, individually packaged supplies used in clinics and hospitals, Richmond Soft BiteBlock^® meets these requirements, while protecting the product from contamination from dirt, dust, allergens and excessive moisture until time of use.

Historically, medical staff simply rolled a number of gauze sponges together with tape in uncontrolled environments such as break rooms and kitchen tables as a DIY solution. As a result, there was no consistency in how these were made, stored for cleanliness, or performed reliably to protect the airway device or the patient’s teeth or tongue from damage. According to a research article in Anesthesiology News in January 2018, 1 in 4 anesthesia patient claims is dental damage from broken or cracked teeth when emerging from anesthesia. Aside from uncontrolled DIY rolled gauze, hard bite blocks do not eliminate the risk of dental damage. Recognizing the need for a better solution, Richmond partnered with an experienced 40+ year practicing CRNA to develop a solution that would deliver consistent compression performance that was readily available and affordable.

Features and benefits of Richmond Soft BiteBlock^® patented design:

• Reduces the potential of compression on the endotracheal tube or laryngeal mask airway
  • Compression can cause a decrease in oxygenation

• Consistent product density
  • Provides reliable compression performance

• Packaged ready to dispense, no more rolling and taping gauze
  • Saves labor costs and time

• Latex-free
  • Reducing risk for allergic reactions

• 100% medical-grade, purified cotton wrapped with silky yarn
  • Absorbent, USA grown cotton

• Made in the USA
  • Manufactured in Charlotte, NC in an FDA registered facility

• Available in three sizes
  • 4” x 0.75”, 2.75” x 0.75” and 2.5” x 0.56”

 

The Soft BiteBlock^® keeps the space between the front teeth open for easy suctioning of the patient's oral cavity. The Soft BiteBlock^® is inexpensive considering the cost of staff salaries, nosocomial infections, and lack of product availability in emergencies if hand-rolled bite blocks are not prepared ahead of time.

To the patient, when using the Soft BiteBlock^®, there is less risk for infection or allergic reactions, dental damage, tongue injury, or obstruction/collapse of the endotracheal tube or laryngeal mask airway.

To the practitioner, there is an assurance that the Soft BiteBlock^® is produced in a secure, FDA registered and clean environment. Time and salary are saved by using a consistent quality product.

To the hospital, there is a reduced risk of legal liability from infections and allergic reactions, and fewer insurance claims for tongue and dental damage.

Among the nomination entries comprising the best products, services, and businesses in innovation for the year 2020, Richmond Soft BiteBlock^® was chosen as a winner by a panel of over 3,000 leading business executives from around the world. “After a thorough review, the Edison Awards Judges recognize Richmond Soft BiteBlock^® as a game-changing innovation standing out among the best new products and services launched in their category,” said Frank Bonafilia, Executive Director of the Edison Awards.

About the Edison Awards: The Edison Awards is the world's most revered Innovation Award dedicated to recognizing and honoring the best in innovation and innovators since 1987. For more information about the Edison Awards complete program and a list of past winners, visit www.edisonawards.com.

About Richmond Dental and Medical

Since 1895, Richmond Dental & Medical has been manufacturing high quality, single-use dental and medical products and dispensers. Merging with Barnhardt Manufacturing Company in 1947, Richmond leverages the power and advantages of vertical integration with the raw material supplier providing exceptional quality control throughout the entire manufacturing process. Innovation is a key focus for the Company in providing dental and medical professionals with the best products for their patients. To learn more about Richmond Dental and Medical, visit us at www.RichmondDentalandMedical.net.