|
SCHELLI STEDKE, RDH, MDH, RYT, CHC Schelli received her Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene from Ohio State University in 1992 and her Master’s degree in Dental Hygiene with a concentration in education from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in 2010. She was Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and Texas Woman’s University Dental Hygiene program, where she taught didactically and clinically for 11 years. Prior to that, she was a clinical hygienist for 17 years. Schelli is a former President of the Memphis Dental Hygienists Association and Secretary of the Tennessee Dental Hygienists Association. She recently served as Sigma Phi Alpha National Dental Hygiene Honor Society president and was on the board of North Texas Dental Hygienists Association as the student/faculty liaison. |
iProphy Mobile
Cordless, universally adaptable polishing handpiece is an ergonomic, convenient choice for hygienists
|
|
A dental hygienist for almost 20 years and an instructor for a dozen more, Schelli Stedke has used every handpiece available today for her prophy patients. Here, she explains how a new, cordless unit is efficient, safe, and remarkably balanced and lightweight, making it a true, ergonomic hygienic polisher.
The word “ergonomic” gets tossed around a lot these days. Sometimes, products just don’t live up to that description, but here is one that does, and it’s called iProphy Mobile. The cordless hygiene handpiece from NSK really is ergonomic. Many of my fellow hygienists who have used this polisher agree that the No. 1 reason they reach for it each time is because they’ve felt a remarkable decrease in hand and wrist fatigue and stress at the end of the day.
Why is there less wrist stress? For one thing, iProphy Mobile is lightweight. Weighing in at only 90 grams, this handpiece is among the lightest polishers available, and it displays a well-designed balance while in the crook of your hand. You won’t drop it and it’s easy to position. You’ll be more efficient with your prophys and your patients will have a faster, more comfortable visit. An added bonus is that it displays a long battery life, and comes with a charging cradle for quick and easy charging—even between patient appointments.
Additionally, iProphy Mobile is compatible with every standard disposable prophy cup and angle on the market today. We all have favorites when it comes to these components because of the shape, stiffness, quality of build, and the amount of splatter produced while using. Not all cups and angles will fit on every polisher, but you won’t have that issue with iProphy Mobile. This is a universal instrument, so you can continue using the components you prefer.
Cordless, No Foot PedalAnother feature that sets iProphy Mobile apart is that it’s cordless—it does not require an air supply— and there’s no foot pedal. Power, strength, and speed are controlled on the handpiece itself, which means the torque is constant and consistent, even after tooth contact. Many older models require hygienists to constantly adjust their foot pedal, leaving open the possibility of excessive heat being placed on the teeth.
Smaller Footprint, Less NoiseiProphy Mobile also maintains a smaller footprint than other polishers, so it’s easier to access hard-toreach areas of the mouth and it’s more comfortable for patients. This is particularly helpful for pediatric and geriatric patients, as well as those with special needs. Speaking of those patient populations, hygienists can choose a slower speed for reduced contact stress with the press of a button, and iProphy Mobile has a quieter motor sound, resulting in a calmer patient experience and less strain on our own ears.
No AutoclavingFinally, I thought I’d mention cleaning, which for many instruments can be somewhat arduous. iProphy Mobile is a sealed system, so cleaning is easy and fast—you’ll simply change the disposable sleeves and clean quickly with a disinfecting wipe. There is no autoclaving between patients. Still, of all its qualities, iProphy Mobile’s best feature is its ergonomic properties that reduce hand fatigue.
|
