| Popis: |
There are two types of ultrasonic devices used by dental hygienists; magnetostrictive (M) and piezoelectric (P). Research supports using these devices during prophylaxes/periodontal debridement but there is little evidence determining which is superior. The purpose of this study was to determine if any differences between the magnetostrictive and piezoelectric scaling devices existed in calculus removal, patient preference and practitioner preference. Subjects included senior dental hygiene students and patients of The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. This double-blinded study employed a quantitative experimental randomized split mouth design on contra-lateral quadrants for the evaluation of calculus removed by each device. Five calibrated examiners recorded the presence of calculus on the quadrants assigned prior to and post treatment. Upon completion of each device, patients completed a visual analog scale (VAS) to gauge patient preference and each student completed a five point Likert survey to measure practitioner preference. Twenty-three subjects completed the study. Data reveals the M device removed more calculus than the P device (70.5% vs 66.1% respectively). Results from the student survey reveal the M device was significantly more user friendly than the P device. Device M scored an average total likert score of 21.0 vs. 18.7 for device P. Results from the patient VAS reveal M is preferred for discomfort, vibration and noise factors. This data provides strong evidence that device M is preferred for this group of hygiene students. However, all other differences in the data were not significant. This significant difference in student practitioner preference is likely due to a major limitation of the previous experience imbalance between the two devices. This reveals a need for required experiences with both ultrasonic devices throughout the dental hygiene students’ clinical education. |
