What is Four-Handed Dentistry?Four-Handed Dentistry is an operatory technique that was conceptualized by many researchers during the early 1960's and formalized through clinical studies at the University of Alabama School of Dentistry, funded by government grants in the late 1960s. Applying time and motion study techniques used by industrial engineers to increase efficiency and productivity in repetitive task environments, the university studied dental procedures of hundreds of practicing dentists and dental students to define the criteria for Four-Handed Dentistry.
The Concept Developed specified: 1. Positioning - Correct interaction of personnel Applying the criteria and concept allowed the attainment of more effective and efficient dentistry. This research proved Increased productivity, Reduced stress and fatigue, and Improved quality of dental care was achievable by all dentists. MYTH ... The Doctor or hygienist and the assistant, utilizing two hands each (which equals four hands), are performing Four-Handed Dentistry. FACT ... Unless the assistant has been properly trained to create team synergy, unless organization and standardization is employed and maintained in operatories, and unless ergonomically designed equipment is used, the dental team is in fact only performing traditional sit-down dentistry. Four-Handed Dentistry introduced Synergy - the cooperative action of two bodies to significantly enhance each others overall productivity and effectiveness - into the dental vocabulary. The most significant time losses to a dentist are the unnecessary, wasted and stress producing Class IV and V movements. These movements reduce productivity and increase time at chairside. Since Time is Money, your income potential is significantly reduced.
Research has shown that a properly trained, full-time chairside assistant, applying synergistic concepts and working in an ergonomically designed environment with the right equipment, can assume up to 92% of all non-invasive movements. Through the elimination of unnecessary and wasted motions in the operatory, productivity increases of up to 100% are obtained, patient care is improved, and reduced stress and fatigue are the benefits of practicing true Four-Handed Dentistry. Every minute spent at chairside performing unnecessary movements reduces productivity and the potential earnings of the practice. Transthoracic delivery eliminates Class IV and V movements that reduce productivity and create stress and fatigue. When unnecessary movements are eliminated, productivity is increased and the practice earns higher profits.
Four-Handed Dentistry Equipment Clinical research has identified and defined the criteria required of equipment to achieve increased productivity and to practice true Four-Handed Dentistry.
Patient Chair: |
The chair must be solid.
Ideal positioning of the patient by either the operator or assistant.
Aseptic covering.
Maintains patient comfort in all positions and utilizes a solid design to create a secure, supportive platform.
