Everyone is familiar with the expression ‘Necessity is the mother of all invention’, but if that is the case then who is the father? Unquestionably convenience has to be a close blood relation; how can it not be when successful invention and innovation show the clear traits of ease, comfort and assistance? Looking back over some of the greatest developments and technological advances in history, the vast majority serve progress by making life easier in some way.
In industry the production line increased productivity by bringing parts to the workers rather than the reverse. In domestic life inventions such as washing machines and dish washers have taken the slog out of much of the housework, and even in leisure pursuits technological advances have maximised satisfaction by making things easier to do. Consider cars and how the innovations of power steering and ABS brakes have aided driving. Add to this the increase in manoeuvrability of the seating position and optimisation of mirrors (for maximum visibility with minimum effort when driving) and the intuitive controls with everything in easy reach, and you see that innovations in ergonomics have positively transformed the driving experience for motorists. In years gone by a car was considered user friendly if it had a drink holder,
nowadays to achieve the same acclaim a driver has to be able to make phone calls through the car’s Bluetooth and have the car read out any new text messages.
The telephone itself is another example of how convenience has been a driving force for development. First invented in 1876 by Alexander Graham Bell, it went through car and mobile ages before entering the modern smartphone era. From being a simple speaking device, the phone is now a social and professional essential, ubiquitous across all demographics and its ergonomic evolution is continuing. Each new model boasts a highly researched advantage, whether it is a lighter weight for easier handling, a larger screen for easier viewing, or more intuitive user-interface. Most new smartphones can be voice activated so they don’t even need to be touched – the ultimate ergonomic advance.
Ergonomics in dentistry
Ergonomic development occurs in all areas of technological progression, and dentistry is no exception. Whilst today’s dentists are faced with many challenges, be it the current NHS contract, increasing regulation, or growing threat of litigation, one area that provides increasing satisfaction is the technology and materials available to them. The treatments available to patients are growing ever more effective, and the equipment used is ever improving.
It is important when you are looking to purchase new dental equipment that due care and consideration is given to the ergonomics as well as the basic function. The phone with the best call reception soon becomes unappealing if the touchscreen facility doesn’t work properly, just as a car with a fuel efficient engine might be a less tempting investment if your feet can’t reach the pedals. When buying anything your practical use of it and your personal requirements should be taken into account, that applies equally from cars and phones to dental equipment.
The best treatment units complement form and function. They are unintimidating to patients, practical for the dentist to use and easy for the nurse to clean. An ergonomically designed unit can optimise workflow and increase the efficiency of treatments. The Estetica range, from KaVo, has been especially designed to make treating a patient as easy and efficient as possible with an optimised workflow.
The Estetica E70 and E80 units have both been certified and recommended by AGR eV, an association campaigning for healthier backs and giving the confidence that the treatment units are ergonomically designed for user comfort. The E80 boasts an intuitive dentist element which is easy to use, giving the practitioner all they need within easy reach, as well as an additional assistant element for extra control and versatility. A single foot control enables the dentist to operate the chair, handpiece and other multimedia functions without the need to switch to additional foot controls. The suspended chair concept provides greater leg room and coupled with the narrow backrest allows easier, more comfortable access to the patient.
Cost will be a consideration behind any purchase, but it is important to consider all aspects of the financial commitment to a purchase, and not just an initial starting price. Reliability and the minimisation of downtime can play an important role in how much a piece of equipment is worth to you in the longer term. There are also some
hidden efficiencies which should be taken into consideration. For example, equipment which is designed with hygiene control in mind can shorten the time required for cleaning and the entire range of KaVo dental chairs have seam-free upholstery making optimal cleaning a possibility. Important components, such as grip handles and the handpiece holders can be removed for easy disinfection.
It is always best to try equipment out before making a purchase, and during the test drive you should take care in considering your working style. Whilst you want a treatment unit that is efficient and practical, you need one that suits you too. The best treatment centres around today are adaptable, and can be tailored to an individual’s specific needs.
So as invention and innovation continue to improve the world around us, it is important we keep up the demand of better and more efficient technology to continue the evolution.
If necessity and convenience are the mother and father, invention coupled with your demand means there is a lot to look forward to in the future.