This article is sponsored content brought to you by Erskine Dental.
Tested by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health
By Anne Pelkonen, Sanoittamo Oy
Dentistry requires that hands be constantly in use. For dental clinicians and hygienists, obvious risk factors are repetitive hand movements, standing still for long periods, and persistent use of hand muscles to manipulate instruments. As a result, according to several studies, two-thirds of dental workers often suffer from back, neck, shoulder, arm and hand ailments. Now, thanks to new advances in the ergonomics of dentistry, an ergonomic hand instrument can improve this.
Ergonomics relies more on common sense than advanced technology. The word itself comes from the Greek ergon (work) and nomos (laws of nature). Ergonomics can be described as simply adjusting work, tools, and work environment, so they match human features and long-term needs.
Perhaps the best and easiest way to improve the discomforts related to dentistry is to focus on ergonomics when selecting the hand instruments used daily. Dental clinicians hold instruments in their hands for about 2,000 hours per year; as such, ergonomics has a huge impact on their occupational health.
Tests by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health have shown that muscle strain can be relieved and job satisfaction and personal health improved by proper ergonomics.
The LM-ErgoSense® hand instruments are the result of constant product development, decades of manufacturing expertise and continuous innovation in collaboration with clinicians and scientific communities.
These investments have been rewarded time and again by dental clinicians and professionals. In several studies focusing on ergnomics and productivity, the LM-ErgoSense® instruments were rated the top choice.
Clinicians love its design and grip
When a well-designed hand instrument fits the hand perfectly, it allows dentists to fully focus on their work. Scientific studies show that hand instruments with thicker handles are easier to use, cause less perceived strain and lead to increased productivity than those with thinner handles1. In ten out of fourteen specified usability features, the LM-ErgoSense® was rated the best when compared with other instruments during a dental scaling simulation1. It also ranked the best instrument.
The LM-ErgoSense® has both a larger diameter (13.7 mm) and an optimal design. The instrument’s tactile sensitivity and non-slip surface ensure a firm hold during any dental procedures. The colours are refreshing, and the name and code number on the handle ease the identification of the instrument during clinical procedures and maintenance. Last but not least, the instrument can be equipped with an intelligent RFID chip fitted into the handle. This means the instrument can be traced, bringing patient safety up to a new level.
“The LM-ErgoSense® handle feels secure and comfortable in my hand. At the same time, I don’t need to grip it too hard when I start scaling,” Diane Millar, MA, dental hygienist and educator. “The thicker handle lets me work for longer; I don’t need to take small breaks. It’s more comfortable and my hand doesn’t get tired.”
Comfort leads to increased productivity
In another study focusing on ergonomics, usability features and productivity using different hand-held instruments, the thicker, silicone-coated LM-Dental™ instruments were the preferred choice when measured against all 18 usability criteria in the test2. These tests also showed that the most ergonomic hand instrument lead to increased productivity.
“I tried the LM-ErgoSense® and I really liked it. It felt lighter and I got a better grip of the instrument, thanks to the handle’s shape,” said Heikki Tursas, a dentist from Hammaspiste, Turku, Finland.
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References:
1. Evalution of ergonomics and usability of dental scaling instruments; Dental scaling simulation and Field study, part III. Sormunen, E., Nevala N. Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, LM-Instruments Oy.
2. Ergonomic and productivity evaluation of scaling instruments in dentistry. Nevala N, Sormunen E, Remes J, Suomalainen K, The Ergonomics Open Journal 2013:6, 6–12.
