Local Anesthetic Syringe Ergonomics and Student Preferences

Abstract

With a diverse population of dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants, there is a wide range of sizes and shapes of individuals. Ergonomic considerations have resulted in the design of many adjustable delivery systems, chairs, and pieces of equipment. Companies have marketed instrumentation specifically for people with small hands, yet little research has been done regarding the advertising claims. The objective of this study was to compare the perceptions of dental and dental hygiene students after they used a conventional syringe and a petite syringe that has been marketed as advantageous for individuals with smaller hands. The two syringes were compared for aspiration, injection, and sense of control. A total of 181 students were invited to serve as subjects in the study, and ninety participated. The study involved two phases. During phase I, students used conventional and petite syringes to give a simulated inferior alveolar nerve block injection. In phase II, students gave a simulated palatal injection using both sizes of syringes. After performing the simulations, the students responded to a questionnaire. The students reported that the petite syringe gave them control, and 62.2 percent of them preferred it to the conventional syringe. There were differences in preferences between female and male students and also differences in preferences based on students' glove sizes. The female students preferred the petite syringe when aspiration was required. Overall, the students who wore small and extra small gloves had a preference for the petite syringe and felt it provided a sense of control, a key component when learning to provide injections.

Comparison of Pain Perceived by Patients Undergoing Intra Oral Local Anesthesia Using Different Needle Gauges

“…A study conducted by Wiener et al on dental students and hygienists concluded that 62.2% of the subjects preferred a petite syringe. Females and individuals with smaller hands may prefer smaller syringe due to better control and ease of aspiration 17 . A 23 G needle has a bigger lumen than the conventional 27 G needle and this allows for better aspiration which is mandatory for safe delivery of intra-oral local anesthesia as shown by a study comparing the 27 G and 30 G needle for positive aspiration 18 .…”

“…While needle gauge continues to remain under debate newer needles and syringe variations are being introduced and tested. While the telescopic needles seem promising 21 , different bore sized needles claiming to be less painful clinically do not produce the said results 12 , further research to produce ergonomic syringes is encouraged 17 . It is also thought provoking that the disposable or smaller/petite syringe may be preferred by patients as it is perceived to cause less pain and fear 14 .…”

Periodontal Status and Quality of Life: Impact of Fear of Pain and Dental Fear

“…These findings have clinical relevance in terms of the importance of fear and pain and their interaction, in oral health care settings [ 59 , 60 ]. Past research has indicated a need for proper training in anesthetic techniques for dentists [ 61 ] and an interest in learning about the most effective techniques [ 62 ]. Updates of topical and local anesthetic agents are available, along with newer strategies for delivering local anesthetics [ 63 – 65 ].…”

Ergonomics in Dermatologic Procedures Part 2: Injectables

“…They found that the smaller syringes scored higher with statistical significance for female students and those with smaller glove sizes. 3 This should be explored in dermatology and the results communicated to manufactures because many aesthetic products are packaged in prefilled syringes of standardized size and design.…”