A Hygienist’s Perspective on Ultrasonic Scaling
Q&A with Brittany Gordon, RDH Albrecht Family Dentistry | Mentor, Ohio
Get to know Brittany Gordon, a seasoned hygienist and COLTENE KOL, and learn more about the many advantages of ultrasonic scaling. With more than two decades of wide-ranging experience in dentistry, Brittany shares her point of view on how ultrasonic scalers—like COLTENE’s BioSonic US200 —enhance patient comfort and practitioner efficiency. Tell us about your career in dentistry? How have different experiences shaped your approach as a hygienist? I’ve been in dentistry for 20 years—13 as a hygienist. Early in my career, I worked in the front office learning everything I could about the dental industry. Having that broad foundation allows me to better educate my patients about hygiene and periodontal care but also treatment planning, restorative options, and how to navigate the insurance landscape. Understanding how the various aspects of treatment work together gives me a more holistic outlook on patient care. What are the clinical benefits of ultrasonic scaling? Ultrasonic cleaning delivers results far beyond what I can achieve with hand scaling alone. It removes calculus, disrupts biofilm, and flushes out periodontal pockets—all while facilitating a more comfortable, streamlined experience for the patient. We often talk about ultrasonic scalers within the context of calculus removal, but another, often-overlooked benefit is their ability to quickly remove stains. The BioSonic US200’s turbo mode is perfect for my smokers and red wine drinkers.
How does the BioSonic US200 help ease patient anxiety during a cleaning? With a conventional system, adjusting the power typically requires pausing the procedure. This stopping and starting —not to mention the high-pitched sound and excess water spray—can be jarring for the patient. The US200 changes the experience completely. Its foot pedal allows the user to quickly adjust the power level in a way that’s virtually undetectable to the patient. When selecting an ultrasonic scaler, what three things matter most to you? Clinical effectiveness, patient comfort, and user ergonomics. The system has to be reliable and gentle on the teeth and gums. Working with an inefficient scaler can feel like using a caries removal bur to take off calculus. It wastes time and is uncomfortable for the patient. Because a hygienist uses an ultrasonic on a regular basis, it’s important the handpiece is light and comfortable in your hand.
What stands out about the US200 is its power. But this power doesn’t come at the expense of patient comfort.
How has the US200 impacted your day-to-day workflow? The first things that come to mind are time savings and reducing wear and tear on my body. With my previous unit, changing settings was a hassle. I would have to pull the instrument out of a patient’s mouth, rotate my body, make the desired change, twist back to the chair, and then continue scaling. The US200’s foot pedal eliminates all of that, preventing physical fatigue and burnout. For me, having a US200 in my operatory is nonnegotiable. Think back to the first time you used the US200. Did anything stand out to you? There was a bit of a learning curve adjusting to the foot pedal, but once I got comfortable using my foot to switch between standard and turbo mode, I was able to really streamline treatment. I’d compare the experience to learning to drive a stick shift. It’s awkward at first but quickly becomes second nature.
What feedback have you received from your patients about ultrasonic scaling? Many tell me their gums feel extra clean and tingly after a cleaning with the US200. Patients are starting to view ultrasonic scaling as a premium treatment option, and some specifically request it when they’re in the office. What would you say to a hygienist who’s considering switching to the BioSonic US200? This system makes ultrasonic scaling smoother for both the patient and the clinician. The foot pedal allows for easy power modifications without interruption. It also automatically detects whether I’m using a 25 or 30 kHz insert and adjusts accordingly. By simplifying my workflow dramatically, the US200 allows me to focus my full attention on my patients.
BioSonic US200 Ultrasonic Scaler
Quicker cleaning. Better results. The BioSonic US200 from COLTENE delivers the power and versatility today’s dental professionals need to maximize chairside efficiency and deliver a first-class patient experience. BioSonic. The ultimate in ultrasonic scaling.
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