Thousands of students and patients can now access crucial dental training and services thanks to the expertise of Wolverhampton-based DIS Graphics. The print and digital imaging specialist was approached by Birmingham Dental Hospital to help it make 122 bays Covid-19-safe by designing, manufacturing and installing bespoke screens in just two weeks.

A total of 15 staff at DIS Graphics were put to work on the project to initially come up with a prototype that underwent rigorous air flow, smoke detection and temperature testing inside the hospital in Edgbaston.

The purpose-built 5mm acrylic screens, which feature visual spots for safety reasons, passed all subsequent tests and were given the green light to be fitted, using a special steel bracket, to existing furniture.

This ensured that dental students from the University of Birmingham’s School of Dentistry and patients could safely continue their learning and receive treatment to solve short and long-term problems.

Dave Purcell, DIS Graphics sales director, said: “We pivoted like many businesses had to, going from supplying major graphic installations for Dior and Adidas product launches to providing essential signage and safety screens for the NHS, healthcare providers and construction firms.

“The Birmingham School of Dentistry has been our largest one-off project and involved a rapid turnaround to allow students and patients to return to their studies and to receive the treatment they desperately required.”

He continued: “We listened to the safety measures required and then came through all of the NHS testing, before installing all 122 screens in just three days. While we have a number of off-the-shelf options, this design was bespoke and had to take into consideration protecting the furniture so it could be used after the pandemic has hopefully passed.

“The client was really pleased with the outcome and we have now been approved to deliver similar systems across over 300 properties in the University of Birmingham Hospital Trust’s estate.”

Professor Iain Chapple, former head of the School of Dentistry at the University of Birmingham, added his support: “DIS reacted quickly to an issue we were having and showed great understanding in producing high quality bespoke screens that allowed us to teach and look after patients again safely.

“The fitters were very professional and went the extra mile, ensuring that our final year students stand a great chance of graduating this year, by creating a safe training environment. Just recently, a dentist commented on how the screens look part of the original design and the building — that says it all really.”

DIS Graphics offer interior graphic solutions, portable display systems and event branding for customers involved in business, automotive, leisure and retail sectors.

Its team of experts have access to a full in-house 3-D studio and large format printing, which also helps it provide giant media and signage, including Europe’s largest ever poster for Manchester City and advertising for global fashion brands.

Despite the pressures of Covid-19, the company has managed to play a significant role in a world first at the end of December, when it printed a giant Raúl Jiménez banner to wish the Mexican international footballer, a Wolverhampton Wanderers player, a speedy recovery from injury.

This was produced on Kavalan Spiderweb PVC-free mesh banner, the first time this material has even been used at a football stadium in the world, propelling Wolves to the top of the sustainability league as it is totally recyclable.

Mr Purcell concluded: “The last twelve months have been extremely challenging, but I have never been prouder of the way DIS staff have reacted to the pandemic and helping us come through it, continuing to deliver to existing customers while also securing new opportunities.”