Must-Have Dental Hygienist Supplies for Your Practice

Dental hygiene is a critical aspect of oral health care. Specialized exams, procedures, and treatments all demand specific equipment and dental supplies designed for precision and comfort, such as ultrasonic scalers, specialized hand instruments, and prophylaxis materials. 

What equipment does a hygienist use? Today, we will thoroughly discuss crucial tools and supplies for dental hygienists. Understanding and investing in quality tools for dental hygiene ensures that your patients receive the best care while supporting the hygienists’ skills and efficiency in maintaining optimal oral health. A known and favored source of supplies for dental practices, Safco Dental Supply also accepts orders for Hygienists!

Basic Dental Hygiene Instruments

Dental supplies like dental mirrors and probes, scalers and curettes, and periodontal files are the foundation of hygienists’ work. Each instrument serves a unique purpose, from aiding visibility and measuring pocket depths to removing plaque and calculus. Below, we’ll explore these instruments in more detail to highlight their specific roles in maintaining patients’ oral health.

Mirrors and Probes

Dental mirrors are used to enhance visibility in the mouth, reflecting hard-to-see areas and assisting with lighting for a clear view of the gums and teeth. Dental probes help measure the depth of periodontal pockets, identify signs of gum disease and assess tissue health for a complete oral assessment.

Hu-Friedy’s Color-Coded Probe is an excellent option for precision, featuring easily visible markings to help measure pocket depths quickly and accurately. Zirc’s Crystal HD Soft Grip mirrors provide exceptional clarity with anti-fog glass and a comfortable grip.

Scalers and Curettes

Scalers are typically used for supragingival (above the gum line) scaling to remove plaque, while curettes are used for subgingival (below the gum line) scaling.

The Gracey Curettes are precision-designed for effective subgingival scaling, allowing hygienists to access and clean deep periodontal pockets with minimal trauma to the surrounding tissues. Safco Dental Supply’s high-quality scalers are expertly designed to make plaque removal efficient and comfortable.

Periodontal Files

Periodontal Files are used primarily for preparing the surface of teeth during periodontal procedures. Their textured surface efficiently crushes and removes stubborn deposits, encouraging gum reattachment and healing.

The Hu-Friedy Periodontal File is known for its ergonomic design and precision-cutting surfaces, which facilitate control and accuracy during deep cleaning procedures.

Advanced Dental Hygiene Tools

Ultrasonic scalers and hygiene handpieces offer effective, efficient cleaning and care for patients. In the following sections, we’ll explore each of these dental products and how they contribute to professional dental hygiene care.

Ultrasonic Scalers

Ultrasonic scalers use high-frequency vibrations to effectively remove calculus, plaque, and debris from the teeth and gum line. By utilizing a combination of ultrasonic energy and water, these devices break down tough deposits while simultaneously flushing away bacteria. Ultrasonic scalers can reduce the need for manual scaling and minimize discomfort.

• Safco Deluxe Ultrasonic Scaler: This state-of-the-art ultrasonic scaler features a lightweight design for enhanced maneuverability and ease of use. The Deluxe scaler offers full digital touch and display panel for precise control.

• BioSonic US100R Ultrasonic Scaler: The BioSonic US100R Ultrasonic Scaler is designed for efficiency and comfort during dental cleanings. Its lightweight, ergonomic design reduces hand fatigue for hygienists while allowing for optimal control. Featuring adjustable power settings and a wide variety of scaling tips, this scaler can effectively remove calculus while minimizing patient discomfort.
• Ultrasonic Inserts: these inserts act as the tip of the ultrasonic scaler and the Safco Dura-Sonic™ inserts are stainless steel one-piece inserts with hard resin handles, designed for proper energy transfer.

Hygiene Handpieces

One of the key features of modern hygiene handpieces is their ergonomic design. This reduces hand fatigue for dental hygienists, allowing them to maintain a comfortable grip and optimal control. As a result, hygienists can perform their tasks with greater precision and efficiency, ultimately leading to better treatment outcomes.

The ProphyPal offers a smooth, quiet operation, making it a favorite among dental professionals. Its ergonomic shape allows for a natural grip, reducing hand fatigue during extended procedures.

Discover which handpieces are favored by hygienists in our dental handpiece survey!

Disposable Hygiene Supplies

In dental care, maintaining hygiene and safety is crucial. Disposable dental supplies play a vital role in achieving these goals by minimizing the risk of cross-contamination. Key items include: 

Disposable Gloves and Masks

Gloves are crucial for protecting the hands of dental professionals while providing care. They help prevent the transmission of harmful pathogens and ensure that any bodily fluids encountered during procedures do not come into contact with the skin.

Masks serve to protect both the dental professional and the patient from respiratory droplets and potential contaminants. 

Sterilization Wraps and Pouches

Properly wrapping instruments before sterilization ensures that they remain uncontaminated until they are ready for use. Sterilization wraps and sterilization pouches help protect instruments from environmental contaminants and physical damage during storage and transport, significantly reducing the risk of infection.

Cotton Products and Gauze

Cotton dental products and gauze are commonly used to absorb excess saliva, blood, and other fluids during treatments, ensuring a clear working area for dental professionals. These products help maintain a hygienic environment, prevent contamination, and enhance patient comfort. Some practices use cotton roll substitutes in lieu of the traditional cotton products.

Gauze is often utilized post-operatively to control bleeding and promote healing after extractions or surgical interventions. The absorbent nature of cotton and gauze allows them to effectively support the recovery process by providing necessary pressure and protecting the wound site.

Disinfectants and Cleaners

Disinfectants and cleaners eliminate harmful pathogens, bacteria, and viruses that can lead to infections or cross-contamination. Regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, instruments, and equipment help ensure a safe and hygienic treatment space.

CaviCide is a versatile disinfectant that cleans, disinfects, and deodorizes non-porous surfaces while being effective against a wide range of pathogens. 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) plays a critical role in safeguarding the health and safety of both dental professionals and patients. In the following subsections, we will discuss two important types of PPE.

Safety Glasses and Face Shields

During various dental procedures, the risk of exposure to harmful particles and fluids is significant. Wearing safety glasses helps shield the eyes from splashes and flying debris, preventing injuries and ensuring a clear field of vision.

Face shields provide an additional layer of protection, covering the entire face and protecting against larger splashes and aerosols that can occur during procedures. 

Protective Clothing

Disposable gowns are designed for single use. They are typically made from fluid-resistant materials, providing reliable protection while being lightweight and comfortable for the wearer.

Importance of PPE Compliance

Wearing appropriate PPE, such as gloves, masks, safety glasses, and protective clothing, serves as a barrier against pathogens. This protective layer not only safeguards the health of dental hygienists but also protects patients from potential infections.

Dental Hygiene Handpiece Maintenance

Maintaining dental instruments and equipment is crucial for ensuring their longevity and functionality in a dental practice. Proper care and maintenance not only extend their life but also enhance their performance.

Cleaning, sterilizing, and inspecting instruments help prevent wear and tear, reducing the likelihood of breakdowns during procedures. 

Safco Service Handpiece Repair

Safco Dental offers a comprehensive handpiece repair service designed to extend the life and efficiency of dental handpieces. With expert technicians and prompt turnaround times, Safco ensures that dental practices receive quality repairs for a range of handpiece brands. 

If your practice needs handpiece repairs, learn more about Safco Service and inquire about fast and convenient repair service with free shipping.

We also offer a wide range of high-quality dental products, from disinfectants to disposable supplies, aimed at maintaining a safe and sanitary environment in dental practices. Explore our full selection of dental hygiene products.

Learn more about the best dental hygiene products to stock your practice with.

Maintenance and Care Best Practices

Here are some best practices for maintaining dental supplies, equipment, and operating areas:

• Regular Cleaning and Disinfection
• Proper Storage
• Routine Sterilization
• Inspection and Maintenance
• Follow Manufacturer Guidelines
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Training and Compliance
• Document Procedures

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]