Even with all of the advances in dental hygiene technology; air polishing, ultrasonic scalers, piezo scalers, and patient hygiene, the vast majority of dental hygienists still spend hours each day hand scaling teeth.
This short, repetitive motion causes wrist and joint problems in many hygienists. The best way to minimize this risk is to use instruments that are sharp, well balanced, and comfortable. Keeping instruments sharp is a discussion all of its own, and balance is self explanatory.
Comfort though, is subjective: Hu Friedy, one of the leading manufacturer’s of dental instruments, offers no less than six different handles for their instruments. Several characteristics combine to create the sensory experience we call comfort.
First is the material that the handle is made from. Metal handles are harder and less forgiving (but longer lasting and arguably easier to sterilize), while plastic handles tend to be more comfortable and lighter, but not as rugged. Some companies even offer cushioned rubber handles for a soft feel (though that soft feel doesn’t always transfer to comfort while actually being used).
Size is also an important factor in choosing a dental scaler handle. As the handle diameter increases, the stress on the fingers and hand are generally reduced. Small handles tend to be harder to hold and create more fatigue.
Finally, surface finish should also be taken into consideration. Smooth handles, ribbed handles, and knurled handles will all appeal to different users for a variety of personal reasons. Generally, smooth handles are the least comfortable over time.
If you are looking for a rule of thumb for buying instruments, here it is:
Buy the largest diameter metal handle with a ribbed finish that you can find. For the widest variety of people, this configuration will offer the most comfort. The best solution however, is still to let the user choose for themselves. Some hygienists actually prefer different handles for different types of scalers, and some scalers may be available in a limited number of handle configurations. Allowing the user to choose their own instruments ensures that they will make a choice they can live with.
Tags for this article :Dental Equipment Dental InstrumentsTags: Dental Equipment, Dental Instruments
