The need to conserve personal protective equipment for first responders treating coronavirus patients is essential, and a Westchester oral surgery practice is doing its part to help.

The 3D printers at Scarsdale Oral Surgery are usually used to help doctors fit patients with implants. The practice is considered an essential business, but it's not performing any elective procedures.

So instead of letting the machines sit idle, the company is using them to make protection for PPE. It creates shells for N95 masks and face covers to help extend the mask's usability.

“We can extend the longevity of the masks, and we can add an additional layer of protection. Particularly with aerosols, people coughing and sneezing,” says Dr. Evan Chafitz, of Scarsdale Oral Surgery.

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This makes it safer for doctors, nurses, dentists and others on the front lines to safely care for their patients.

The headband of the guards is also 3D printed with a plastic sheet attached in front. 

News 12 is told it takes about six hours to construct one mask, so to speed the process up, they’re partnering with others who own 3D printers — including a dental lab in South Jersey.

Dr. Chafitz says the masks are fairly cheap and easy to produce. Surgeons at the Scarsdale practice have already made hundreds and hope their contribution make it safer for first responders to adequately care for their patients.

"Everyone has an obligation, to everybody else that we can help as much as possible,” says Chafitz.