A STUDY OF A CIRCULAR DENTAL CLINIC EMPLOYING ADVANCED PRACTICE METHODS
Abstract
A clinical research study was initiated to determine the efficiency of an Experimental Dental Clinic. Methods of practice were employed that met the following basic requirements: (1) surgically clean environment; (2) dentist and assistant teamwork; (3) versatile patient treatment, and (4) reduced stress and strain. A circular five-chair operating suite was developed to support the sharing of a rotating dental assistant. A compact dental unit was developed to replace the conventional dental unit. All instruments were sterilized in individual packs and delivered tp the operatories as needed. The clinic was staffed with five dentists and seven auxiliaries. A conventional five-chair Control Clinic was staffed with five dentists and five auxiliaries. Fifteen dental officers rotated through both clinics. The number of surfaces restored and the actual time spent in placing the restorations was recorded. In the Experimental Clinic a total of 5,930 surfaces required an average of 9.8 minutes productive time each, compared to 5,582 surfaces in the Control Clinic that required 12.9 minutes per surface. This represents a 32 per cent increase in surfaces restored in the Experimental Clinic with the addition of one dental auxiliary to serve as a rotating dental assistant and one to sterilize the instrument packs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 02, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0689788
Entities
People
- Barry E. Sharrow
- Bobby J. Priest
- Gordon H. Rovelstad
- Lloyd M. Armstrong
- Paul O. Walker