Week 3 PP

Question 1

What is 4 Handed Dentistry?

Answer 1

• Based on the concept that a qualified DA sits across from the dentist and they work as a team
• throught procedure dentist relies on the assistant to have the supplies, instruments and materials ready for transfer to the dentist
• the smooth transfer of instruments & materials reflects a team effort
• it takes coordination, communication and practice

Question 2

When working with right handed dentist, what hand do you use to transfer instruments?

Answer 2

LEFT!

Question 3

Goals of Instrument Transfer?

Answer 3

• DA understands the steps for the procedure

-DA anticipates when instrument transfer is required

• the DA uses their left hand to transfer instruments and materials. The right hand is kept free to suction and ready to transfer of the next instrument or material
• Instrument transfer is done using class I, II or III motions involving the fingers wrist and elbow
• transfer the instrument so the dentist can grasp the instrument for it’s appropriate use
• position the instrument in the dentist’s hand firmly, so they can receive it without looking away from the area of operation

Question 4

Transfering instruments in the Position of Use

Answer 4

-direct the working end of the instrument downward for the mandibular arch and upward for the maxillary arch. The dentist should not have to reposition the instrument in their hand before use

Question 5

What is the Transfer Zone?

Answer 5

Right handed operator - 4 to 7 o’clock

Left handed operator - 5 to 8 o’clock

• This is where dental instruments are exchanged between the dental assistant and the dentist
• Over the patient’s chest, by their chin. Never over their eyes

Question 6

What is the Static Zone?

Answer 6

• Located directly behind the patient
  -Counter top space where instruments and materials are placed, ready for use
  -Nitrous tank would be placed here

Question 7

Single Handed Transfer Technique

Answer 7

• When exchanging an instrument that will be held in a pen grasp, the assistant holds the instrument with the
  left hand, between the thumb and two fingers, well back on the instrument (away from the working end)
• the DA turns the cutting edge of the instrument facing the prepared tooth and moves it parallel to the operator’s hand
• Exchanging a pen grasp instrument utilizes the
  assistant’s little finger for pick up

Question 8

Modified Single Hand Transfer Technique - sometimes required for certain instruments

Answer 8

• transferring small items to and from the mouth
• assistant hands the cotton pliers to the dentist while pinching the ends (the beaks) together to avoid dropping the item being held by the pliers
• when receiving the cotton pliers, grasp the working end to prevent the content of the forceps from falling out
• this grasp would be used with extraction forceps also

Question 9

Two Handed Transfer Technique

Answer 9

• Used with instruments that have hinges
• Dental dam forceps, extraction forceps, scissors
• These are held at their hinges and transferred to the dentist by directing their handles into the dentist’s palm.
• Hinged instruments are heavier than single instruments so a steadier hand is required.
• A two handed transfer technique would be used.

Question 10

Instrument Transfer Rules

Answer 10

• Maintain instruments on tray or cassette in the sequence to be used to help facilitate the rapid location of them
• understand the sequence of the procedure
• anticipate the need for the next instrument or material and have it ready to transfer into the dentist’s hand

-transfer with the left hand

• transfer with a minimum of motion, involving only the fingers, wrist, and elbow
• Wipe off any debris from the instrument
• Replace on tray, or prepare to transfer back to the dentist