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Wouldn’t it be great to have a second set of hands? Today’s dentist does! Four-handed dentistry is the practice of combining the dentist’s two hands with the two hands of the dental assistant. The results are more efficient, speedy, and consistent patient care—and a happier dental practice.

Principles of Four-Handed Dentistry

While four-handed dentistry may sound like a modern technique, it was actually developed in the 1960s at the University of Alabama’s dentistry school. Today, dental practices around the globe incorporate the concept into their patient visits. At its core, four-handed dentistry is the process of working smarter, not harder. It includes these basic principles:

Ergonomics in Four-Handed Dentistry

In four-handed dentistry, the principle of ergonomics ensures that everyone is positioned as well as possible during the exam. The patient should be seated in a way that’s comfortable for them and the care providers. The dentist and dental assistant should use ergonomically designed chairs or stools that seat them as close to the patient as possible. The stools should provide back and abdominal support and promote good posture.

Motion Conservation

Tools and trays should be positioned close by to reduce the amount of movement a dentist or dental assistant makes during an exam. The goal is to conserve human energy throughout the day. How is this done? All tools and instruments are within a 21-inch radius of the dental assistant’s reach. The dentist also uses as few tools as possible and learns to reduce the number of hand motions used.

Preparation

Before the start of every patient visit, it’s important for the dental assistant to prepare both the exam room and the patient. The dental assistant preps the exam room, sterilizes the tools and equipment, and lays them out in trays for the dentist. They also prepare the patients by positioning them in the chair, draping them with a cover, and telling them what they can expect from the impending exam or procedure. And they answer patients’ questions and allay their fears before the dentist arrives. Preparation before exams increases the overall efficiency of the practice and makes for the best possible patient experience.

Delegation

With four-handed dentistry, the dentist delegates as many tasks as they can to the dental assistant. This includes handing off instruments, taking impressions, monitoring vital signs, capturing X-rays, and cleaning up in between visits. Of course, the dentist should only hand off duties that are within the dental assistant’s scope of practice, which may vary from state to state.

Benefits of Four-Handed Dentistry

When well executed, four-handed dentistry improves efficiency, patient comfort, and treatment time. It can also decrease stress and help both the dentist and the assistant experience better job satisfaction. Here are some benefits to the practice of four-handed dentistry:

Efficiency

Four hands are better than two. When the dentist and dental assistant work together in a collaborative way, they can be more efficient. Over time, they can develop a rhythm that makes every appointment proceed more smoothly, getting patients in and out of the chair much more quickly.

Quality

Two people working in tandem can also improve the quality of their performance and the care they provide. The dental assistant may notice a flaw in an impression that the dentist didn’t catch, or the dentist may see an imperfection in an X-ray that the dental assistant didn’t. Catching these errors can lead to better patient care.

Comfort

Working with ergonomically designed equipment can lead to more comfort for the dentist and dental assistant. The right equipment can preserve energy and prevent physical strain by decreasing range of motion. With comfortable backs and feet, and muscles that are less strained, dentists can also avoid jerky movements that may cause injury to themselves or to the patient.

Learn Four-Handed Dentistry Through an ACCSC Accredited Dental Assisting Program

How can you practice four-handed dentistry? The first step is to complete a training program that can teach you the basics of oral care and infection control, how a dental office operates, and various chair-side techniques. The program you choose should include an internship so you can practice your dental assisting skills under the supervision of a licensed dentist.

Once you graduate with a certification, you can apply for licensure in your state. The process can vary from state to state, but in general, you need to submit an application and fee, pass a background check, and send in a copy of your fingerprints to the state dentistry board.

If you’re ready to get started, contact 91¶ÌÊÓƵAPP today. We offer Dental Assistant training that can prepare you for entry-level work in a dental office. Our instructors have real-world experience and are dedicated to your success. Fill out the form to learn more.