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Smaller, faster, easier: The Pentamix 3 automatic mixing unit

March 19, 2010
Shannon Pace-Brinker, DA, explains how the 3M ESPE Pentamix 3 automatic mixing unit offers even more features and innovations than previous models, making the assistant's job easier, more efficient, and less stressful.
By Shannon Pace-Brinker, CDAImpression taking is an important part of the assistant’s role in the dental office, but can sometimes be a stressful procedure — not only for the assistant, but also for the dentist and patient. Many of us have experienced the dentist watching impatiently as we wait for a mixing machine to fill a tray. The process of timing the application of light-body and heavy-body materials can be delicate. If anything goes wrong, both time and materials are wasted. Cartridge dispensers cannot always deliver an accurate mix, and sometimes using a syringe introduces bubbles to the material. For these reasons, a well-designed, well-functioning automatic mixing unit is a vital piece of equipment for the assistant. 3M ESPE has long led the way in these devices, first with its original Pentamix automatic mixing unit, and then the Pentamix 2 automatic mixing unit, which introduced important improvements in its ease-of-use. Now, the newest generation Pentamix 3 automatic mixing unit offers even more features and innovations, making the assistant’s job easier, more efficient, and less stressful. Click here to see a video.

Impressive speedIn my practice, we have a Pentamix 3 unit in each operatory, which I believe is an important contributor to efficiency. The Pentamix 3 unit is faster than any other mixing unit on the market, and is twice as fast as the Pentamix 2 unit. Previously, the time it took to fill an impression tray meant that I had to have a head start in dispensing heavy-body material into the tray, and the dentist timed his application of light body in the patient’s mouth to correspond. This was sometimes a complicated process of coordinating setting times and making sure there were no mistakes. With the Pentamix 3 unit, however, the dentist and I are able to start dispensing both materials at the same time — the tray can be loaded that quickly. This gives the assistant more effective working time once the tray is loaded, which is especially helpful when working with a fast-setting impression material or loading full-arch trays. There is no more pressure to rush a fast-setting material into place; I estimate I have an extra 15 to 20 seconds to ensure accurate placement of the tray. I am also confident that the Pentamix 3 unit delivers a perfect mix and that there are no voids in the material. Helpful sizeAnother notable improvement in this latest generation mixer is the machine’s smaller footprint — the smallest on the market. Because space is at such a premium in the operatory, this device makes the assistant’s job easier with its minimal size. It can also be mounted on the wall, giving an office the option of keeping it off the counter altogether. Many assistants have a hard time finding places to store materials and must constantly restock cartridges in drawers. This machine helps overcome these issues. With the Pentamix 3 unit, drawer space is opened up for vital room for other supplies. Thoughtful designI’ve seen other models of mixing units that appear big and bulky, but it is evident that 3M ESPE carefully studied how assistants use these machines and incorporated those insights into its design for the Pentamix 3 unit. This is made clear with features like the small rollers on the sides of the machine and the push buttons on both sides, making the device easy to use for both left- and right-handed assistants. It is also easy to clean and can easily be wiped down, which is another advantage for practices that keep their mixers on the counter. Any assistant who has ever had a mixing machine run out of material midway through filling a tray will appreciate the new window in the side of the Pentamix 3 unit, which displays how much material is left. The ability to see this level without opening the cover of the machine ensures that assistants know exactly how much material is available, a feature that can help us save valuable time. Another window of the machine displays the product name, working time, and setting time of the cartridge inside, which is a very helpful reference in practices where different materials are used in the machines. There is no longer a need to consult reference material or open the cover of the machine to confirm the product information. The Pentamix 3 unit also features a small light on the upper left side that flashes if the cartridge is loaded incorrectly, so assistants have the ability to confirm after loading a cartridge that everything is correct, rather than learning there is a problem when loading a tray. The device also makes it easy to attach a mixing tip without opening the cover. Assistants are responsible for many of the materials used in the operatory, and it is clear that 3M ESPE has devoted time to understanding the importance of the assistant’s role in the impression-taking process through its design of the Pentamix 3 unit. While the increased speed alone is reason enough to upgrade to the Pentamix 3 unit, the additional reduction in footprint and its efficient design features make this device a very valuable tool for the dental assistant. Author bioShannon L. Pace-Brinker, CDA and a 1994 graduate of the Dental Assisting Program at Bowman Gray School of Medicine, works with Dr. John Cranham in his private practice in Chesapeake, Va. She has been a dental assistant for more than 20 years. Shannon is the past president of the Metrolina Dental Assistants Society in Charlotte. She is also on the advisory board for the dental assistant program at Central Piedmont Community College. She is a member of the AACD and serves on its New Member Committee. She is also on The Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry’s editorial board. Shannon is the first auxiliary to sit on the AACD Executive Board. She is an evaluator for Dental Advisor and consultant for many dental manufacturers.