Title: Module 2 - Four Handed Dentistry Principles
Course: DEH 2530 Expanded Duties > Section: Module 2 - Four Handed Dentistry Principles

Introduction

This module provides an overview of four-handed dentistry theory. Six principles are generally agreed upon when practicing four-handed dentistry and we will explore each. While the clinical dental hygienist may not have control over equipment selection, which is one of the principles, there are others, like motion economy and proper positioning, which are under direct control of the dental hygienist.

In this module, we will focus primarily on the aspects of four-handed dentistry most relevant to the dental hygienist. The importance of these principles is hard to overstate. Dental hygiene practice can be physically taxing to the body over the duration of a career and the implementation of the principles that we will be discussing can prolong a career and contribute to the health of the practitioner.

Objectives

Upon completion of this module, the student will be able to:

- Describe the first principle of four-handed dentistry: Ergonomically-designed equipment
- Describe the second principle of four-handed dentistry: Preset trays/cassettes for procedures
- Describe the third principle of four-handed dentistry: Proper positioning of operator, auxiliaries and patient to assure ergonomics
- Describe the fourth principle of four-handed dentistry: The use of operating zones to assure motion economy
- Describe the fifth principle of four-handed dentistry: Utilization of trained auxiliaries to perform delegatable tasks
- Describe the sixth principle of four-handed dentistry: Treatment planned and sequenced in advance

Readings & Resources

Robinson, Debbie, Doni Bird. Essentials of Dental Assisting, 5th Edition. Saunders, 2013. Chapter 9

From dentalcare.com:

CE course 428 - Increasing Productivity by Effective Use of Four-Handed Dentistry – Part 1: An Overview of the Concept (http://media.dentalcare.com/media/en-US/education/ce428/ce428.pdf)

CE course 430 - Increasing Productivity by Effective Use of Four-Handed Dentistry – Part 3: Instrument Transfer (http://media.dentalcare.com/media/en-US/education/ce430/ce430.pdf)

Assignments & Activities
- Post in the Module 2 Discussion board
- Complete the Module 2 Presentation Assignment
- Complete the Module 2 Quiz