With dental hygienists turning to hand scaling to eliminate aerosols, their need for ergonomics is as important today as it ever was. Stacie Barth, vice president at HuFriedyGroup, says the company has taken this need very seriously and has addressed it by introducing the new line of Harmony Ergonomic Scalers and Curettes.
She talks to Dr. Pamela Maragliano-Muniz about the science behind the new scaler and the design process using TrueFit Technology, which actually measures ergonomics.
The repetitive nature of hand scaling creates fatigue and a multitude of other problems. Dr. Pam said her hygienist is out at least once a year due to back problems. Other hygienists have had to quit the profession in order to avoid further injury. Barth said that 70% of hygienists report hand, wrist, or arm pain.
When HuFriedyGroup went to work, they looked outside of the dental industry for the innovative technology that eventually led to the creation of Harmony. They also talked to those who would eventually be using it. Pinch force and pressure were two key areas they homed in on.
Barth explains what else sets the Harmony Scaler apart and makes it a must-have in your practice.
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Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD, is the chief editor of DentistryIQ and editorial co-director of Through the Loupes. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, Dr. Maragliano-Muniz began her clinical career as a dental hygienist. She went on to attend Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her doctorate in dental medicine. She then attended the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dental Medicine, where she became board-certified in prosthodontics. Dr. Maragliano-Muniz owns a private practice, Salem Dental Arts, and lectures on a variety of clinical topics. You may contact her at [email protected].
