April 2019

Using a cordless prophy handpiece can be an ingredient to help reduce hand and wrist fatigue

By: Jason H. Goodchild, DMD

The practice of dentistry by all members of the clinical team involves static posture, precise and repetitive motions, long work hours, and ergonomic challenges. These factors contribute to a prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among dentists and dental hygienists ranging from 64-93%, with prolonged static postures and repetitive movements listed as the key risk factors.^1,2 More concerning, dental hygienists seem to be at disproportionate risk for MSDs compared to dentists with a study showing 67% of dentists and 86% of dental hygienists reporting MSD pain.³ Focusing on hand and wrist pain, the same study reported a higher prevalence of hand pain in hygienists compared to dentists, 75% versus 38% respectively.

Technology has helped provide solutions for dental hygienists, specifically by the introduction of larger handled instruments and ultrasonic inserts which have more effective tips for better control and precision. However, prophy handpieces have historically been air-driven and decidedly unergonomic with tubing connected to a slow speed motor and straight nose cone. This delivery system can be heavy and create chronic fatigue to the upper extremities, hands, and wrists.

More recently, cordless prophy handpieces have been introduced to further help dental hygienists combat hand and wrist stress and these benefits were confirmed in a study by McCombs and Russell.⁴ They compared the muscle loads required during simulated tooth polishing using a corded versus a cordless handpiece via electromyography (EMG). The results showed a reduction in the muscle load required to achieve high pinch force (i.e., the force needed to grip the handpiece with thumb and fingers) when the cordless handpiece was used. In addition, the time to complete the polishing procedure was reduced by an average 30-seconds with the cordless handpiece. When the hygienists were queried as to why they preferred the cordless prophy handiece over the corded handpiece, they listed – a lack of cord, less weight, better balance, and low noise – as the main reasons for the preference.

Based on extensive input from dental professionals, Premier Dental Products Company recently introduced the AeroPro™ Cordless Prophy Handpiece System. The AeroPro™ system was engineered to provide clinicians with greater mobility, choice, and control; further helping to prevent symptoms of hand and wrist fatigue and to provide a better polishing experience for both operator and patient.

Compatible with most disposable prophy angles, AeroPro™ allows the angle to be easily rotated 360° for improved intraoral access. From Premier’s website, AeroPro™ is “ergonomic and lightweight with a well-balanced design, featuring a textured grip to help reduce pinch strength and hand fatigue.” It is controlled using a single button, allowing the operator to easily access the most appropriate prophy cup speed for the procedure. AeroPro™’s speeds range from 500-2800 revolutions per minute.

AeroPro™ is equipped with ChargeSMART™ Battery Technology. This innovative induction charging system powers AeroPro’s battery quickly and safely and ensures a long-lasting charge that lasts through a busy workday.

And finally, AeroPro™ is CDC-compliant with a convenient infection prevention protocol. The motor component is isolated by a custom-fit disposable polyurethane barrier and covered by a durable, metal outer sheath. After use the metal sheath is removed, rinsed, and autoclaved, while the motor component is disinfected.