Ergonomic Instruments for Optimal Scaling

Diane Millar, RDH, MA, on LM Sharp Diamond™ instruments

I have been a dental hygienist for 39 years, and during that time, I have embraced both working in private practice and teaching advanced instrumentation techniques at the University of Southern California, Cerritos College, and currently, at West Coast University. In addition, I am an international speaker and the author of Reinforced Periodontal Instrumentation and Ergonomicsfor the Dental Care Provider. Being an instructor of advanced instrumentation has made me extremely particular about the dental instruments that I use when teaching my students.

I was introduced to the LM Sharp Diamond^™ scalers when they were first being tested by LM Dental. Immediately, I found that the instruments were easy to use and felt very comfortable in my hand while I was scaling. One of the advantages that the LM Sharp Diamond instruments have over some of the other hand instruments that I've used in the past is that they do not require the user to apply a lot of lateral pressure when scaling. Because less grip strength is needed, the reduced effort that is required while scaling results in a reduction in fatigue for the user. In addition, the micromembrane coating on the blades is a standout feature of the product. The blades remain sharp without ever needing to be sharpened. Having extremely sharp blades that only require gentle shaving strokes makes hygiene procedures incredibly efficient when compared with the greater number of heavier strokes required by duller instruments that may need to be sharpened. Fewer total scaling strokes during the workday can contribute to improved ergonomic hand safety and, subsequently, career longevity.

The LM Sharp Diamond scalers also increase the efficiency of appointments because the instruments have beautifully colored silicone handles that allow hygienists to quickly recognize them on their tray setups. With traditional stainless steel instruments, it's oftentimes difficult to differentiate between the various types.

Not only do the LM Sharp Diamond instruments make hygienists' work less labor-intensive and more efficient, they also positively impact the patient's experience. With fewer scaling strokes required during a hygiene appointment, the hygiene experience becomes more pleasant for the patient. The LM Sharp Diamond instrument blades are also quieter when compared with stainless steel instruments. Throughout my career, I have found that many patients cannot tolerate the sound that the instruments make when scaling root surfaces, so the quieter the instrument, the better it is for patients.

I would recommend that other dental professionals try these instruments out to feel the difference in their hands. Once they understand how wonderfully they work and how their patients respond, they'll love them as much as I do.

About the Author

Diane Millar, RDH, MA
Private Practice
Newport Beach, California

Clinical Instructor
Dental Hygiene Program
West Coast University
Orange County, California

Key Takeaways

1. Diamond-like microcoating resists wear and never needs sharpening

2. LM Sharp Diamond instruments require less grip force and pressure while scaling

3. Fewer scaling strokes results in increased procedural efficiency and ergonomic benefits

4. A quieter scaling instrument enhances comfort for the patient

Manufacturer Information

Planmeca
https://www.planmeca.com/
630-529-2300