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Innovations
in Dental Equipment by A-dec Open Field to Many |
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In
a small room at A-dec headquarters in Newberg, Oregon,
one can go back in time to what almost seems to
be the dark ages of dentistry. A small museum of
sorts contains dentist chairs, equipment, and operatories
from as far back as 60 years ago. Looking at some
of the archaic equipment, it is easy to imagine
how much more difficult it would have been for dental
professionals of the past. Practitioners had to
work standing up while stooping over the patient.
Foot controls had to be continuously pumped, tools
were out of reach and handpieces were awkward and
heavy. A day in the life of a dental professional
then was a much more physically demanding endeavor
than it is today. A career as a dental professional
often led to painful conditions such as curvature
of the spine, circulatory problems, and neck and
shoulder pain. |
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 Many
of the advances that have made it possible for more
dental professionals to become more productive is
due to innovations made at A-dec, America's largest
manufacturer of dental equipment. A-dec has been
a world leader in dental innovations as far back
as the 1960's when the company helped revolutionize
sit-down dentistry. Since then, co-founder Ken Austin
has continued to enhance ergonomics and improve
infection control by developing carts, chairs, cabinetry
and delivery systems that put all instruments within
easy reach of the seated dental practitioner. |
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Today,
A-dec's dental equipment offers ergonomics and customization
on almost every level. The "Radius" system for instance,
features two innovative hubs on the dental chair
that allow for almost 360 degrees of flexibility
in positioning doctor's and assistant's instrumentation.
Flat computer monitors can be mounted on this system
to incorporate new digital technology directly in
the operatory. Open-concept cabinetry allows dental
practitioners to customize their offices more economically
by placing sinks, storage, and equipment where they
can be used in more than one operatory. |
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The
advances at A-dec have not only helped dentists
be more productive and prevent disability; they
have allowed more individuals to be able to choose
dentistry as a career.
Sit-down dentistry has allowed individuals with
physical disabilities to be successful in the field.
Open-concept operatories with customizable configurations
have enhanced the possibilities for wheelchair users
to move comfortably around the patient.
A-dec's built-in anti-infection features are not
only a convenience for non-disabled dentists, but
have become an advantage for dental practitioners
with disabilities as well. For example, sinks can
be turned on by tapping the cabinet door with a
knee or a wheelchair footrest. Glove dispensers
are incorporated within doors and shelves to allow
professionals to re-glove without moving or leaving
the patient. Controls that raise and lower the dental
chair or control other equipment functions are placed
in multiple locations and at multiple heights. Lighter
weight and better balanced handpieces not only help
to prevent repetitive motion injuries but also allow
those who require a lighter instrument to be more
productive. |
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A-dec
has also developed custom equipment specifically
for professionals with unique needs. A hand-operated
handpiece control (sometimes referred to as a rheostat)
was developed for individuals who cannot use a foot-activated
control. (See Billie Holbrook's profile to learn
more.) This hand-activated control looks somewhat
like a wristwatch. The watchband is worn around
the hand with the control nestled in the palm. The
user can push the control with the little finger,
allowing use of the thumb and index finger to simultaneously
grip a mirror or other instrument. |
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A-dec
has also developed portable dental equipment on
wheels that can be taken to hospitals, nursing homes
or remote locations to provide dental care to those
who may not be able to transport themselves to a
dentist's office. Many of these specialty items
have been donated to the institutions and professionals
that use them. |
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The
creativity and inventiveness of A-dec has not only
made dentistry easier and safer for both professional
and patient, but has also helped to open up the
profession to a wider population of individuals
who bring fresh talent, skill and perspective to
the field. To learn more about A-dec, call 1-800-547-1883
or visit their website. (www.a-dec.com)
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