Choosing the most ergonomic hand instrument can make a big difference in terms of discomforts and disorders when performing dental work. It is by no means insignificant what the diameter of the hand instrument’s handle is or what the material of the grip surface is.
When holding the instruments for approximately 2,000 hours each year, the design, weight and feel of the instrument are crucial for the dental practitioner in terms of his/her performance and productivity.
Pioneering instrument ergonomics
LM’s radical product theses of the 1980s – a thicker handle, optimized shape, elastic surface, lightness and color coding – have become industry wide standards in the 21st century.
The natural, non-slip grip of the instruments has been recognized to be comfortable and efficient all around the world and result into a significant reduction, or elimination, of hand-fatigue, finger and hand pain as well as prevention of CTS (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome).
Our Intensive research and continual product development are guided by cooperation with dental professionals. LM-Dental™ responds to your needs, delivering innovations to make your practice more efficient and more effective.
Soft and hygienic grip
An ergonomically designed instrument in combination with a comfortable grip and high tactile sensitivity gives the best clinical result. The pleasant silicone on the hand piece or instrument causes less strain on dental clinician’s wrist and fingers. The soft material also dampens the ultrasonic vibrations and keeps hands warm.
Furthermore the smooth and even surface of the silicone has been tested to be more hygienic than knurled and uneven instrument surfaces.
Watch and Learn: Webinar Recordings on Instrument Ergonomics
Webinar with Dr. Joy: Examining Ergonomic Benefits of Dental Instrument Handles
Learn about the evolution of periodontal instruments and discover the ergonomic implications of design and technological improvements in dental hand instruments. Webinar recording from March 2021.
Speaker: Dr. Joy D. Void-Holmes RDH, BSDH, MHSc, AADH
Dr. Joy D. Void-Holmes is an educator, writer, consultant, and motivational speaker with over 27 years of experience in the dental field.
Published author for multiple dental related articles, founder of Dr. Joy, RDH, and creator of the Dental Hygiene Student Planner. Her continuing education presentations include a variety of topics such as instrumentation, ultrasonics, infection control, nutrition and biochemistry, silver diamine fluoride, dentinal hypersensitivity and cultural diversity and inclusion. Joy received her doctorate degree in Health Sciences from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Joy is Program Director for the Fortis College Landover Dental Hygiene Program and is a consultant examiner for the Commission on Dental Competency Exams.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the presenters and do not necessarily reflect the views of LM-Dental™. The content is provided solely for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice or intended to be used as healthcare recommendations.
Webinar Series with Tatiana Brandt: Ergonomics and Periodontal Instrumentation – How to Prevent Work-Related Injuries
Learn about the risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders associated with periodontal instrumentation and how to prevent them. Webinar recordings from September-October 2020, parts 1-3.
Speaker:Tatiana Brandt, RDH, MEd, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Tatiana Brandt, RDH, MEd, is a 2004 graduate of School of Oral Health Care, University of Copenhagen, and she has been practicing clinical dental hygiene for 16 years, worked for the Department of Odontology/ Periodontologi – School of Dentistry, Copenhagen. For the last 9 years she has been working as an assistant lecturer at School of Oral Health Care, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen.
1. Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Dental Professionals. Hand and Wrist Problems.
- Ergonomic risk factors associated with periodontal instrumentation
- Symptoms related to work-related injuries in hands, wrists and fingers. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
- The prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints in dental professionals
2. How to Prevent Injuries when Performing Periodontal Treatment?
3 main approaches to preserving hands for long and productive dental careers:
- basic ergonomics
- working with the right equipment and using the right technic
- physical exercises and pauses between treatment for recovery
3. When Should Periodontal Instruments be Replaced? Working with Sharpen Free Instruments.
- Why should we care about dull instruments?
- How often do we really sharpen each of our instruments.
- Prolonging instruments use-life. Sharpening or recontouring.
- When do we need to replace?
- Working with sharpen free instruments.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the presenters and do not necessarily reflect the views of LM-Dental™. The content is provided solely for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice or intended to be used as healthcare recommendations.
