Midwest RDH Freedom Cordless Prophy System

Midwest RDH Freedom Cordless Prophy System

DENTSPLY Professional

The Midwest RDH Freedom delivers a cordless prophy experience in a balanced, lightweight package.

DENTSPLY Professional describes the Midwest RDH Freedom Cordless Prophy Handpiece as part of a 3-piece polishing system that includes NUPRO Prophylaxis Paste as well as specialized NUPRO Freedom Disposable Prophy Angles available in soft, firm, and brush cups. Designed with the hygienist in mind, the handpiece features a lightweight balanced design without the clutter and drag of cords. Providing excellent comfort and accessibility, the Midwest RDH Freedom also offers quiet operation and the performance a clinician has come to expect from corded models. Easy to use, the clinician simply depresses the wireless foot pedal to control power and speed; the electronic control system offers a smooth start allowing for easy loading and prophy paste control.

The Midwest RDH Freedom is available in 2 options. The Basic Starter Kit includes: cordless handpiece (inner module and autoclavable outer sheath), cordless foot pedal, handpiece charging base, and NUPRO Freedom Disposable Prophy Angles. The Premium Starter Kit includes everything in the Basic Kit with 2 additional autoclavable outer sheaths and a carrying case.

Dental Product Shopper recruited 9 current users of the Midwest RDH Freedom handpiece, all registered dental hygienists. They tested the product in their practices and evaluated such features as ease of use, battery life, and infection control.

Convenience

Featuring cordless operation and an easy-to-use foot pedal, the Midwest RDH Freedom is a convenient tool for handling prophy in any practice.

Eight of the 9 evaluators participating in this review called the cordless operation their favorite aspect of the handpiece. One of the hygienists reviewing the product said she liked “the fact that it is cordless makes hard-to-reach areas so much more accessible,” and added that it is “great for special needs patients.” Seven evaluators called the cordless operation excellent, and 2 called it very good. Another evaluator said, “Cordless is nice because there is no drag or pulling on the cord.”

In terms of overall ease of use, 7 rated it as excellent, 1 rated it as very good, and 1 rated it as good. An evaluator who rated her overall satisfaction with the product as excellent said the Midwest RDH Freedom is “so convenient,” continuing, “I love not having a cord to worry about! Cordless is the best way!”

Comfort

The low noise output, nonslip grip, and ergonomic, lightweight design make the Midwest RDH Freedom a comfortable option for daily use and reduced fatigue.

In ranking the ergonomics/comfort of the handpiece, 7 evaluators called it excellent, and 2 called it very good. An evaluator with 35 years of experience in dentistry said, “[I] really like using it. [It causes] less hand fatigue. I am sold on it!” Another evaluator enjoyed that the Midwest RDH Freedom was “easy to use [and] lightweight.”

Practicality

The wireless operation of the Midwest RDH Freedom is powered by rechargeable batteries in both the foot pedal and handpiece itself. The system comes with a charging base to keep the handpiece running. An autoclavable outer sheath ensures infection control for the practice.

Regarding battery life, 5 evaluators called it excellent, 3 called it very good, and 1 called it good. An evaluator with 16 years of experience in dentistry said, “I do not like the fact that we cannot charge the hand piece and the foot petal at the same time. We usually charge overnight.” DENTSPLY claims it has addressed this issue by including a Y-cable in all kits that allows the user to charge both the handpiece and foot pedal at the same time.

In terms of infection control, 4 evaluators rated it excellent, 3 rated it very good, 1 rated it good, and 1 rated it fair. One of the evaluators said, “I would like to be able to wipe the handpiece down. Its time consuming to change the sheath.” Another evaluator commented, “[I] don’t like using plastic barriers.”

Overall Satisfaction

Regarding their overall satisfaction with Midwest RDH Freedom, 6 evaluators called it excellent, 2 very good, and 1 good. One hygienist said, “When I tried the Midwest Freedom I really came to appreciate no cords to pull around on and the patients notice that and like it. It is easy to use and was very easy to adapt to using.” Another evaluator summed up her experience by saying, “I think this is a great product and every RDH should have one!”