Why Dental Handpiece Ergonomics Matter
MSDs and Their Consequences
Repetitive movements, static positioning, long hours—the combination of these and other working conditions make dentistry an extremely demanding profession. And, over time, these factors can take a serious physical toll on dental professionals. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), as defined by the World Health Organization, are “disorders or injuries affecting muscles, tendons, joints, ligaments, and bones mainly caused by mechanical overload of the respective biological structures.” In dentistry, MSDs commonly affect the back, neck, and shoulders, as well as the hands and wrists. The consequences of MSDs, which reportedly impact up to 92% of dental professionals, are varied and far-reaching. Discomfort, pain—even a total inability to perform work duties—are all possibilities for personnel suffering from MSDs, problems that can cost practices productivity and profits, and workers their health and livelihoods.
The Importance of Instrument Selection
MSDs in dentistry have myriad causes, but when it comes to hand and wrist disorders, instrument selection—especially that of fundamental tools like dental handpieces—plays a major role. According to experts, design elements that can contribute to hand and wrist fatigue or injury include heavy instrument weight, small diameter, inadequate grip, and excessive vibration, among others. For a solution to the challenges associated with repetitive dental instrument usage, practitioners can look to ergonomics, the science of fitting work to the worker.
Choosing instruments designed according to the principles of ergonomics is one of the best ways that you can prevent occupational MSDs and foster a longer, healthier career. As a global leader in dental rotary instrument manufacturing with nearly 100 years of industry experience, NSK Dental has garnered a nuanced understanding of the needs of dental professionals, including the importance of tools that support musculoskeletal health. The company channels its hard-earned expertise into the design of innovative products like the Ti-Max Z95L, an ergonomic high speed electric attachment with features that enhance performance as well as workplace health and safety.
Ergonomic Elegance, Powerful Performance
With an elegantly balanced ergonomic design, the Ti-Max Z95L from NSK reduces operator fatigue and the risk of hand and wrist MSDs. The handpiece’s solid titanium body is 30% lighter than stainless steel and possesses a DURAGRIP coating that enables easier, more comfortable handling, even throughout a busy workday. Additionally, the Ti-Max Z95L boasts the smallest head and slimmest neck dimensions among all competitive electric handpieces. This unique design improves visibility and access to even the most difficult-to-reach areas of the oral cavity, and eliminates the need for awkward positioning or straining during patient care. Despite its compact build and ergonomic benefits, the Ti-Max Z95L doesn’t compromise performance, delivering power and efficiency comparable to larger high-speed instruments.
The Ti-Max Z95L’s ergonomic sophistication is further accentuated by its gear system, which is designed using High Spec 3D simulation software and coated with a special diamond-like carbon (DLC). Thanks to this coating, the contra-angle produces minimal noise and vibration, making every treatment a more comfortable experience for you and your patients. DLC coating also has the benefit of extending instrument longevity, granting the gears 5 times more wear resistance than previous NSK handpiece models.
In addition to ergonomic considerations, the new Ti-Max Z95L features a world-first in dental handpiece technology: a 2-way spray system that lets you choose between “water spray” and “water jet” functions with a simple twist of the built-in switch. The latter option provides effective cooling to ensure extended instrument performance while cutting aerosol production by as much as 50%—an invaluable asset to practice safety through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
To learn more about the Ti-Max Z95L and how it supports a safer, healthier work environment, visit NSK’s website.