Inside Dental Hygiene (IDH): What factors guide your decision making when choosing hand instruments for everyday clinical use?
Tina Clarke, RDH, MEd, FADHA: I look for handle diameter and how it feels in my hand. I want to know the instrument is balanced and that it doesn’t bend too much with lateral pressure. I also want an instrument that can maintain a sharp edge for a long period.
IDH: Do you have any advice to hygienists who may be struggling with technique or fatigue related to instrumentation?
Clarke: For those struggling with hand instrumentation, I encourage you to attend some hands-on workshops to fine tune your technique. Also, review dental anatomy, especially root anatomy, to make sure the instrument is adapted correctly. Other items to consider include the diameter of the handle. A larger diameter will decrease hand fatigue since the pinch force is less. A sharp instrument requires less lateral pressure, which means reduced hand fatigue. Taking time to sharpen your instruments correctly will save your hands and your career.
IDH: When it comes to handpieces, are there any specific features you tend to gravitate toward?
Clarke: I love cordless handpieces. These are so much nicer for the clinician. It removes the tug-of-war battle with the cord. Another reason I gravitate to the cordless handpiece model is because it allows me to adapt the polishing cup to all surfaces of the tooth.
IDH: Is there anything you would like to add on the topic of hand instruments and handpieces?
Clarke: Taking the time to care for instruments and handpieces will save you time in the long run. When your instruments function appropriately for you, your patient care experience is elevated.
Perio-Mate
NSK’s air polisher takes cleaning to the next level through a gentle combination of ultrafine water spray and glycine-based powder that offers powerful benefits, including helping to prevent peri-implantitis. The Perio-Mate has an extensive array of applications, ranging from supragingival to subgingival cleaning. You simply add or remove the nozzle tip depending on your needs.
nskdental.com
Tina Clarke, RDH, MEd, FADHA, is founder and owner of Teacher Tina RDH, www.teachertinardh.com.
ProMate™ EZ-Q
The ProMate™ EZ-Q is a cutting-edge, low-speed hygiene handpiece equipped with a quick-disconnect mechanism that significantly reduces preparation time between procedures. Enhancing efficiency, it boasts a complete 360° swivel head and wide compatibility with most prophy angle brands.
References
Inside Dental Hygiene (IDH): What factors guide your decision making when choosing hand instruments for everyday clinical use?
Tina Clarke, RDH, MEd, FADHA: I look for handle diameter and how it feels in my hand. I want to know the instrument is balanced and that it doesn’t bend too much with lateral pressure. I also want an instrument that can maintain a sharp edge for a long period.
IDH: Do you have any advice to hygienists who may be struggling with technique or fatigue related to instrumentation?
Clarke: For those struggling with hand instrumentation, I encourage you to attend some hands-on workshops to fine tune your technique. Also, review dental anatomy, especially root anatomy, to make sure the instrument is adapted correctly. Other items to consider include the diameter of the handle. A larger diameter will decrease hand fatigue since the pinch force is less. A sharp instrument requires less lateral pressure, which means reduced hand fatigue. Taking time to sharpen your instruments correctly will save your hands and your career.
IDH: When it comes to handpieces, are there any specific features you tend to gravitate toward?
Clarke: I love cordless handpieces. These are so much nicer for the clinician. It removes the tug-of-war battle with the cord. Another reason I gravitate to the cordless handpiece model is because it allows me to adapt the polishing cup to all surfaces of the tooth.
IDH: Is there anything you would like to add on the topic of hand instruments and handpieces?
Clarke: Taking the time to care for instruments and handpieces will save you time in the long run. When your instruments function appropriately for you, your patient care experience is elevated.
Perio-Mate
NSK’s air polisher takes cleaning to the next level through a gentle combination of ultrafine water spray and glycine-based powder that offers powerful benefits, including helping to prevent peri-implantitis. The Perio-Mate has an extensive array of applications, ranging from supragingival to subgingival cleaning. You simply add or remove the nozzle tip depending on your needs.
nskdental.com
Tina Clarke, RDH, MEd, FADHA, is founder and owner of Teacher Tina RDH, www.teachertinardh.com.
ProMate™ EZ-Q
The ProMate™ EZ-Q is a cutting-edge, low-speed hygiene handpiece equipped with a quick-disconnect mechanism that significantly reduces preparation time between procedures. Enhancing efficiency, it boasts a complete 360° swivel head and wide compatibility with most prophy angle brands.
Figures and Images
Tina Clarke, RDH, MEd, FADHA
Perio-Mate
ProMate™ EZ-Q
