HYGIENIST RESEARCH

PRELIMINARY USER INTERVIEWS

16 years experience

Currently works with three other hygienist in a local practice

Currently uses American Eagle resin handle hygiene tools and metal handle probe and mirror

Each hygienist in the office makes the decision of what brand instruments they want to retain

Typically uses 2-3 tools per cleaning procedures with one mirror and probe

Typically four patients in the morning and four patients in the afternoon

ERGONOMIC STUDIES

DENTAL HYGIENIST HAND POSITIONING

Modified pen grip

Handle gripped between the thumb and index finger

Middle finger rests on the tool shank near the working end for control

Ring finger used as fulcrum and is rested on the patient

HANDLE PREFERENCES

Larger diameter over smaller

Grip features for stability

Light weight

Instrument cost not a large factor in handle selection

HANDLE NEGATIVES

Features that require longer cleaning time

Irregular cross sections interferes with rolling the instrument in the fingers.

Handle shapes that dictate one finger or hand position

ADDITIONAL INSTRUMENT HANDLING

One-Handed flipping

The tool having working portions on both ends, is rotated in the hand to switch ends.

Four-Handed Dentistry

A technique in which a dental assistant or dental hygienist works directly with the dentist on the procedures being done in the mouth of a patient.

Instruments need to be passed swiftly to the dentist, and then back to the dental assistant during oral surgery.

SUMMARY

Larger profile provides most comfort

Shape must be round or have at least 6 sides in cross section

Taper toward tip allow easier grip axial adjustment

Must not be slippery axially or rotationally

Surface for product branding required

Means of identifying handles for ownership

Shape must be cleanable

Shape must be attractive

Consider ease of orientation when reversing ends when working

Consider ease of transfer for operative tools