Innovative air abrasion system with a mini sandblaster and water spray allows clinicians of all experience levels to provide minimally invasive treatment
Dr. Vaderhobli is a clinician educator in dental materials at the UCSF School of Dentistry, where he has spent 18 years transforming the field into a sought after discipline. He is a founding team member and director of the Advanced Education in General Dentistry postdoctoral residency program at UCSF, developed in collaboration with NYU Langone Health. In this role, he mentors 10 general dentistry residents across Northern California, guiding their education and clinical training. Beyond his academic leadership, Dr. Vaderhobli is actively involved in clinical trials and frequently lectures on adhesive dentistry and the clinical application of dental materials. His research contributions include participation in the first National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research-sponsored artificial intelligence grant focused on diagnosis, treatment planning, and caries detection. In addition to his teaching and research, Dr. Vaderhobli practices as a general dentist within the UCSF faculty group practice.
As both a general dentist and a professor at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), Ram Vaderhobli, DDS, MS, aims to embody the philosophy, “I practice what I teach, and teach what I practice.” One product that helps him do that is KaVo’s RONDOflex plus 360, an invaluable tool that’s a perfect match for the conservative treatment approach he’s embraced throughout his career. Here, he explains why.
The RONDOflex’s 360° rotating head provides excellent accessibility, allowing me to effectively locate and remove lesions with precision. Because the RONDOflex utilizes a sandblasting process combined with a gentle stream of water, it eliminates the need for anesthesia and enhances patient comfort. Plus, the integrated water spray that accompanies the sandblasting process prevents excessive powder dispersion, minimizing residue and keeping the treatment area clean. This contrasts with other non-water intraoral sandblasters I have used in the past, which often left patients complaining about uncomfortable sandy residue and dryness.
A Simple Technique
When working with the RONDOflex, I highly recommend using slow, controlled strokes for precise material removal. I also have found that practicing on old metal instruments can help refine control and improve spray direction. This technique is particularly vital when working on Class V lesions, as improper spray direction towards the gingival tissue may cause bleeding.
That said, the device’s 360° swivel allows dentists to effortlessly adjust the angle to ensure that the Al₂O₃ particles are directed accurately, minimizing soft-tissue irritation while maximizing treatment efficiency.
Overall, the RONDOflex plus 360’s precision and conservative approach make it an invaluable tool in my restorative and preventive workflows—it’ll make you feel like a “bondodontist!”
