Dentsply Sirona

www.dentsplysirona.com

save

Dentsply Sirona

Fri. 19. October 2018

save

Dr. Gauri Mona Patel is the owner of Bayshore Dental, a practice located in Whitefish Bay in the U.S., where she works with Dr. Aaron Seubert. She is right-handed; Dr. Seubert is left-handed. Left-handed dental practitioners are often faced with the uncomfortable task of working with equipment designed for right-handers. However, Dentsply Sirona’s Intego Pro Ambidextrous treatment center now enables an ergonomic workflow for both right- and left-handed practitioners.

Why did your practice need an adaptable treatment centre?
Patel: Dr. Seubert joining the practice was an opportunity to look into adding a treatment centre that would provide him with a comfortable and efficient working environment. As we opted for a flexible and adaptable swivel treatment centre rather than a strictly left-handed treatment center, we invested in the Intego Pro Ambidextrous. If needed, both left-handed and right-handed operators can provide treatment from this unit, which is essential to a smooth workflow.

Seubert: To provide an example of how the treatment centre enables a smooth workflow, Dr. Patel and I worked in coordination on a veneer case. I can offer a different perspective to my patients as a left-handed provider. A large amount of my work is cosmetically focused and working as a left-hander allows me to make esthetic observations that a right-handed provider might not see so readily owing to my vantage point. This cosmetic case achieved a higher level of refinement than what either one of us could have accomplished individually owing to the fact that we were both able to operate out of our common working positions for the duration of the case.

Dr. Aaron Seubert joined Bayshore Dental a year ago as an associate dentist, an opportune moment for Dr. Patel to look into adding a flexible, efficient and ambidextrous treatment center. (Photograph: Dentsply Sirona)

Dr. Gauri Mona Patel has been running Bayshore Dental for over five years. (Photograph: Dentsply Sirona)

Swivel from right-handed to left-handed treatment takes only 15 seconds and can easily be carried out between appointments. (Photograph: Dentsply Sirona)

A pedal on the water unit sets the conversion in motion, positioning the patient chair correctly and rotating the water unit around the chair. (Photograph: Dentsply Sirona)

Dr. Patel and Dr. Seubert consult on a case. (Photograph: Dentsply Sirona)

Dr. Seubert uses the left-handed working position with a right-handed team member. (Photograph: Dentsply Sirona)

What were your first impressions of the Intego Pro Ambidextrous?
Seubert: We were immediately impressed with its sleek design and found it user-friendly. The design encourages mobility, and having everything at your fingertips is a clinical asset. Patients can see that we invest in our office and care about all of the details of their experience. This reduces their anxiety levels, which in turn aids in facilitating the best care we can provide. All in all, patients have been very pleased with the comfort of the treatment centre and we’ve had a lot of positive feedback.

How easy is it to switch between the left- and right-handed configurations?
Patel: We have tested the conversion and it can be done in seconds. As such, all of our team members can use the treatment center and convert it between appointments. A pedal on the water unit sets the conversion in motion, positioning the patient chair correctly and rotating the water unit around the chair. The back-rest of the chair then automatically moves into the correct position, and the operating light, monitor and dental element are repositioned. No screws need to be loosened or re-secured. We don’t have to keep our patients waiting unnecessarily as we prepare the room.

"The Intego Pro Ambidextrous integrates many important technologies and serves as the hub of our digital practice."

How has the ergonomic experience with the Intego Pro Ambidextrous been for a left- and a right-hander?
Patel: As a new provider, I work a rigorous schedule with taxing hours. However, I have not experienced any serious soreness or discomfort in relation to my work. The various positions in which you can place the patient, along with the numerous headrest adjustments simplify access. As a result, my position or posture does not need to be compromised and minimal stress is placed on my musculoskeletal system. Specifically, my shoulder and lower back discomfort has decreased with the improved ergonomic function.

Seubert: I genuinely prefer to use the ambidextrous unit, as it is normally left set up for me. I only provide treatment on one of our non-ambidextrous units when I have an emergency case and need the earliest available operatory. Sealants and minor occlusal restorations can also be performed in these centers, but require manoeuvring the hoses underneath the patient’s chair so that the handpiece can be accessed by the provider and suction by the assistant. The Intego Pro Ambidextrous’s precise pivot guide minimizes the risk of damage to hoses or colliding with other components. This is ensured particularly by the water unit, which moves in parallel and remains in the correct position.

Lastly, has the new treatment centre influenced your working efficiency?
Patel: The Intego Pro Ambidextrous integrates many important technologies and serves as the hub of our digital practice. The more integration into the digital workflow possible, the more efficient we can be. Ultimately, efficiency has a direct correlation with the bottom line of any business and the integration of a more digital workflow creates an environment that allows our team to work at our optimal levels.