Confident Curing: A key skill in effective, efficient patient care
June 5, 2012
As a dental hygienist, you play a vital role in building trust with the patients you treat in the chair every day, making sure each appointment runs efficiently, and providing the highest level of care possible. The curing light used in your practice is an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to sealant applications and other procedures. As such, you want a light that is intuitive to use and will maximize efficiency. When choosing a curing light, there are a variety of important factors to consider:
- Ergonomics: Is the light easy to grip and handle? Select one that offers a comfortable grip and best fits your technique. Also, keep in mind that cords can be cumbersome. Luckily, there are several cordless models available that offer easier portability.
- Hygiene control: Like many other instruments, the light comes in direct contact with your patients, so hygiene is of upmost importance. It’s critical that your light is quick and easy to disinfect between patients. For example, the Elipar S10 LED Curing Light (3M ESPE) has a one-piece stainless steel casing that is easy to clean and has no seams or vents where liquid can seep in.
- Easy-to-use features: More doesn’t always mean better. The leading curing lights on the market offer just a few buttons, making it easy to operate without sacrificing any necessary functionality. Additionally, consider unique add-ons that might be valued from time to time, such as light guides to help focus light output.
