Basic Tenets of Four-handed Dentistry

Some dentists and assistants claim they practice four-handed-dentistry, yet they still suffer the results of physical stress due to the use of inappropriate equipment and techniques that fall short of meeting the basic tenets of the four-handed dentistry concept.  Dentists can still be observed changing their own burs, or twisting and turning to reach equipment on their side of the chair.  If the assistant is not in charge of all instrument transfers and the equipment is not within reach of the assistant, true four-handed dentistry is not being practiced.

The concept of four-handed dentistry is not production line dentistry.  It is based on a set of criteria that define the conditions under which efficiency can be attained.

To practice true four-handed dentistry, the following criteria must be met:

1.	Equipment must be ergonomically designed to minimize unnecessary motion.
2.	The operating team and patient are seated comfortably in ergonomically designed equipment.
3.	Motion economy is practiced.
4.	Preset cassettes/trays are utilized.
5.	The dentist assigns all legally delegable duties to qualified auxiliaries based on the state's guidelines.
6.	Patient treatment is planned in advance in a logical sequence.

Click Here To Navigate Within Article >> Abstract Introduction Basic Tenets of Four-Handed Dentistry Principles of Motion Economy Classification of Motion Strategies of Conserving Motion Zones of Activity Strategies to Ensure Effective Four-Handed Dentistry Twenty-Five Excuses... Conclusion References About the Author