Innovative dental hand instruments with RFID tracking on display at IDS

In response to the increasing demand for ergonomics and efficiency, the Finnish instrument manufacturer LM-Dental, will be introducing its new LM-ErgoSense hand instrument at the International Dental Show (IDS) in Cologne Germany. The instrument is the outcome of intense research and product development in collaboration with dental clinicians. It combines ergonomic design and integrated RFID technology in an innovative way.

A number of scientific studies have shown that ergonomics are crucial when it comes to instrument grips. A hand instrument with a large diameter and a silicone coated handle is the best solution in order to ensure a comfortable grip and to decrease work related musculoskeletal strain. The Ergonomics Open Journal (6/2013) reports the results from the study; Ergonomics and Efficacy of Instruments in Dentistry, where LM instruments were the most preferred choice in regard to all 18 usability criteria.

In a clinical scaling simulation conducted by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, LM-ErgoSense was rated as the best instrument. The participating dental professionals named the LM-ErgoSense handle as their favorite owing to the enhanced grip, comfort and functional design.

Intelligence inside the handle

Dental clinics face many challenges in material handling, traceability and with increasing requirements for patient safety. Therefore, LM has developed the idea of a smart dental instrument. An advanced RFID chip can now be integrated into the LM-ErgoSense handle, enabling reliable traceability of the instruments. The chip can be scanned with a reader that together with software create a unique LM Dental Tracking System. The documented information will improve and ease asset management and increase cost efficiency and patient safety in the dental clinic.

About the company

The Finnish instrument manufacturer LM-Dental develops, produces and markets dental hand instruments and devices. It is one of the fastest growing manufacturers of hand instruments in Europe and among the market leaders in the Nordic countries. All LM-Dental products are produced in Scandinavia, combining high-tech production technology with handmade craftsmanship to gain a top-quality end result and highest functionality. The company is part of the Finnish medical corporation Planmeca Group.

References

1. Nevala N, Sormunen E, Remes J, Suomalainen K: Ergonomic and productivity evaluation of scaling instruments in dentistry. The Ergonomics Open Journal 2013; 6, 6–12.
2. Sormunen E., Nevala N: Evaluation of ergonomics and usability of dental scaling instruments; Dental scaling simulation and Field study, part III. Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, LM-Instruments Oy.