I will be starting full time position with my current dentists at their other office in another town. I am excited to start but I am terrified and embarrassed about the instrument situation. After assessing the cassettes and the instruments available to work with I realized they are pretty much only using Montana Jacks across the board for all patients!!! The cassettes may or may not have one random Gracey or no sub-gingival instrument at all. The day I worked I started an SRP and had one individually wrapped Gracey 13/14 available to use! I was speechless. I do have a cavitron but in my school of thought I will always hand scale after cavitron use especially after an SRP.
The last thing I want to do is step on toes the first day I am there. Am I silly for thinking that this is a sub-par way to practice hygiene? I know that a scaler can go sub but why would I subject my patient to that when I know there are more efficient instruments to get the job done correctly? Should I go to my dentist first or the lead hygienist who will be over me? HELP!
I personally do not feel there is one instrument that can be used universally/exclusively. And I as well agree that hand scaling is always needed after using a cavitron. Hand scaling allows us to use our tactile sensitivity, therefor insuring a thorough cleaning.
I agree with karardh that talking to the doctor may be your best option. Just state that your not used to only using one instrument universally. And to do a thorough job you would feel more comfortable with instruments you have used in the past. I wouldn’t ask for 8 new sets of instruments, but request 4. You could make sure they are sterilized during lunch. Also, you could ask if they have any older scalers that aren’t used anymore. I assume they have older instruments that you may be able to utilize. You need to feel comfortable with the instruments used. We all want to do our best for every patient. Best of luck. Also don’t feel nervous, the Dr. may completely agree.
I think the best instrument to clean the whole mouth would be the Columbia Universal curette 13/14 . It can go sub gingival as well.
I personally like an H6/7 scaler for the anterior and a Columbia 13/14 for the posteriors, it’s also great for removing stain from the lingual of the anteriors. Then a good set of Graceys for SRP. I have had to go into new jobs before and tell the dentist right away that I would like to order the instruments I prefer to work with. They are usually very accomodating. Good luck!
I personally do NOT feel you can do an adequate job with one scaler. I feel that doing substandard work is not ethical and would cause me to have anxiety and sleepless nights. The more I read here on this site I’m shocked at some if your working conditions. I’m realizing what a fabulous job I have.
If you’re looking for one instrument for the entire dentition the Barnhart is what I mainly use for all the posteriors. Unless it’s a perio pocket, then I whip out my Gracie’s.
Don’t feel bad for stepping on toes, just say “for me to do my job at the best if MY ability, I need a few more instruments.”
You need a variety of instruments to do a through job on most patients. You need anterior and posterior, scalers and currettes, and usually Graceys too.
I totally agree with not being able to do a good job with only one or two instruments. If you are getting into every nook and crannie correctly and subgingival you need to be using the correct instruments for each situation. I currently have universal anterior and posterior scalers as well as regular and mini gracys in all of my kits as well as other options in my drawers if I need something thats not in my regular kit. Dont be afraid to ask for what you need to do the job to your best abilities not substandard because you dont have the right tools.
No….the answer is just no…lol…theres just too many reasons to list….can a tooth be filled with just one tool?….this would be a silly request….I once replaced a hyg with one tool “sets”…and right away ordered full setups to do an adequate job…I’m not sure how much was accomplished with just one scaler…have not come across a Dr not willing to add instruments so be sure to let them know what u need
I would say definitely not! I don’t think you can do a good job anyway! Do you have a cavitation too?
I use ultrasonic triple bend focus spray to start S/RP then hand scale using gracey curets 13/14, 15/16 and occasionally 17/18. Also use Montana jack rigid or AE Blackjack, then at the end I go around once more with ultrasonic inserts left and right. I also break out the files if necessary.
However, I do use the Montana jack or blackjack on every patient, but I have other options in every set up.
2
Like
199