Lightweight headlight offers optimized spot size and extended run times, and is designed to fit your pair of loupes.
Without proper illumination, you can’t practice your best dentistry. Yet there are so many dynamics involved in finding the ideal headlight. With suitable lighting, prolonged battery life, and a universal mounting system, a cordless headlight can help you perform dental procedures more quickly and efficiently.
Dr. Azeem Sheikh, who took part in the Dental Product Shopper evaluation of DenMat’s Firefly Cordless Headlight System, said the product was easy to use and provided excellent visualization. He noted that the light improved the quality of his work, allowed him to diagnose better, and made procedures quick and efficient.
Some ergonomic factors should be considered when purchasing a headlight: Is it lightweight? Does it allow freedom of movement? Does its design encourage good posture? Before using Firefly, Dr. Amanda Juarez said her previous headlight had a cord that would often get caught on door and drawer handles. She called Firefly a huge improvement for 3 reasons— it is lightweight, there is no cord, and it is easy to change to another pod.
According to DenMat, the Firefly is lightweight, provides superb brilliance with an optimized spot size, is designed to fit your pair of loupes, and offers extended run times. By combining these benefits, DenMat has designed a headlight that will improve procedure times and result in better clinical outcomes. Several dentists who have been using Firefly in their practices shared their experiences for this evaluation.
Intensity/Brightness of Light
Firefly offers a uniform and well-defined light field for superior illumination without shadows, according to DenMat. The light intensity of the Firefly can be adjusted between 2 settings—low at 20k Lux and high at 32k Lux.
Calling it a bright headlamp that’s easy to use, Dr. Edward Chappelle said with Firefly he doesn’t need to worry about light intensity. Dr. Ryan Bingham described Firefly as a quick, exchangeable light that provides effective illumination. Dr. Sheikh noted, “I perform an extensive amount of surgery, so it allows me to see much better.” A California dentist recommended 2 additional brightness settings—one brighter and one dimmer than are currently provided. Saying his overall light visibility was improved, Dr. Jerry Coates, Jr. appreciated the efficiency of not having to adjust the overhead light.
Mobility and Battery
Because the system is cordless, a clinician is free to move through a procedure with confidence and without interruptions. “Cordless is the way to go,” said Dr. Morris Budak, who called himself an early adopter of all magnification and illumination systems. “In a perfect world, I want everything to be cordless where possible,” he continued. Many of the evaluators pointed out that they liked the freedom of not being attached to a cord or wire, and several noted that they purchased the light because of the cordless feature.
The battery life of a headlight is also important, and it must be easy to recharge and switch batteries. Two batteries are included with the Firefly, and each battery runs for 90 minutes on high intensity and for over 150 minutes on low intensity. Both pods can be charged in less than 2 hours.
“One battery charge lasts most of the morning or afternoon, and it is convenient to switch to the other while charging can be performed on the other,” Dr. Budak reported. He said the charger was easy to use due to the magnetic attachment.
Ease of Mounting, Overall Comfort
With its universal headlight mount, Firefly will adapt to fit any pair of loupes. Calling it “easy to attach,” Dr. Chappelle said it is important that he is able to switch easily to other loupes when necessary, and this light made it easy to swap loupes. Dr. Sheikh agreed that the light was easy to mount on existing loupes.
Weighing only 28 g, Firefly is a very ergonomic headlight system, according to Denmat. Several evaluators said the light weight was their favorite feature, with Dr. Juarez calling it the lightest one on the market. A couple of dentists said they would like to see it weigh even less, while Dr. Chappelle said, “It really doesn’t seem to weigh more than [a] smaller tethered light.” Before using Firefly, Dr. Bingham reported a sore neck and back muscles, but the Firefly has helped with muscle strain and has offered improved comfort and ergonomics, he said.
Overall Satisfaction
All of the evaluators said they would recommend Firefly to their colleagues. Rating his overall satisfaction as excellent, Dr. Budak said, “[Firefly] has helped me deliver the best care that I can for my patients. It is a reliable cordless illumination product.”
