Protective devices for managing aerodynamics around dental patients

A particulate collecting device to be worn by a dental or orthodontic patient, which comprises:

• (a) a pair of vertical flanges, with a first flange configured to be positioned and worn on a right side of a patient's chest and a second flange configured to be positioned and worn on a left side of the patient's chest, wherein the vertical flanges have an inner contour that is curved and configured to aerodynamically funnel air flow away from the patient's face;
• (b) a protective sheet located between the vertical flanges;
• (c) a particulate matter reservoir that is fluidly coupled to the vertical flanges and configured to receive funneled air, and particulates contained therein, from the vertical flanges;
• and
• (d) a negative air pressure generator, which is fluidly coupled to the particulate matter reservoir and is adapted to produce negative air pressure in a direction from a top area of the vertical flanges and running downwards towards the particulate matter reservoir, wherein the particulate matter reservoir exhibits a funnel shape with a flat base that is configured to rest on the patient's chest.