Suedbeck JR, Ludwig EA.
Pinch force generation during scaling by dental professionals: A systematic review.
Int J Dent Hyg 2022. [PMID:
36524311 DOI:
10.1111/idh.12649]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this review was to examine the impact of instrument designs on pinch force generation during scaling by dental professionals.
METHODS
Three databases were utilized from September 2019 to November 2021 in addition to hand-searching specific journals and reference lists. Research articles that examined pinch force generation in dental professionals during scaling with manual instruments only were included. Bias was assessed in the individual articles.
RESULTS
Six research articles were included with sample populations that varied from 12 to 24 participants. Four articles evaluated instrument designs in relation to pinch force generation during scaling by dental professionals. Two articles evaluated the clinicians' experience levels and the impact on pinch force generation. Results of three articles revealed instruments with large diameters and low weights produced the least amount of pinch force (p < 0.05). Additionally, two articles found instruments with a round, tapered shape produced less pinch force and instrument handles made of silicone produced higher pinch strength post-scaling (p < 0.05). One study indicated instrument designs associated with modified scaling techniques may reduce thumb and index finger pinch force (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
The findings from this review indicate weak evidence for instrument choices to reduce pinch force during scaling. Dental professionals should consider lightweight and large diameter instruments for manual scaling. Clinicians may also want to consider round, tapered handles and instrument designs with modified scaling techniques. This systematic review further identified the need for clinical research studies with rigorous research designs that examine the ergonomic impacts of instrument designs.
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