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Dry angles (parotid shields)
Also called: dri-angles, parotid shield, cheek pad
Triangle-shaped absorbent pads placed on the inner cheek to block saliva from the parotid gland.
A dry angle is a thin, triangular absorbent pad that sits on the inside of the cheek over the opening of Stensen's duct (the duct that carries saliva from the parotid gland). It soaks up saliva near upper molars better than a cotton roll alone.
How to spot it
- A flat, soft white or blue triangle about the size of a postage stamp.
What it is used for
- Sealants and bonding on upper back teeth.
Safety and care
- Single-use (disposable) item: use it on one patient, then throw it away. Never clean and reuse it.
Related
Sources: RDH Magazine. Dry idea (isolation with dry angles and cotton rolls)