F.A.Q
What are the steps to obtain a few samples for evaluation?
We understand the desire to get ahold of a few samples for evaluation before your first purchase. Kindly note that learning to use the ErgoFinger® takes multiple encounters, and the full benefits of the ErgoFinger® are best achieved with the use of the ErgoFinger® HVE Hose Kit. To ensure the experience with the ErgoFinger® is nothing but the best, we know we would need to send the ErgoFinger® Hose Kit too, together with enough ErgoFinger tips instead of just a handful. This is the reason why we are unable to fulfill the many requests for samples.
Thank you in advance for joining the ErgoFinger® family!
I asked my employer to buy me the ErgoFinger®, but the answer was no, what can I do?
Have you asked your employer to purchase new instruments, and the answer was no?
You deserve the best. A smart employer should value providing their clinicians with the best tools needed. If your employer does not value the tools you need to be a successful clinician, ask yourself if you can live with that? Don´t rely solely on your employer to give you what you need, remember that you do have options! You can purchase the ErgoFinger® on your own to provide yourself with the best and ergonomic HVE tool you need.
Why ErgoFinger® is a disposable product instead of being reusable and autoclavable?
The CDC recommends single-use disposable items whenever possible. These must be discarded after use with a single patient during a single visit. Single-use disposables offer several advantages, including no need for reprocessing, which saves time and effort. They also improve patient safety by eliminating the risk of patient-to-patient contamination because the item is discarded and not used on another patient.
When designing a medical device, the medical device manufacturer must implement in the design process's the medical device regulations. One example of the medical device regulations regarding devices with small lumens like the ErgoFinger® is the WHO publication "Decontamination and reprocessing of medical devices for health-care facilities." It states that devices with small lumens, such as catheters, drains, and fine cannulae, should be designated single-use only and not be reprocessed and reused. These kinds of devices are difficult or impossible to clean once body fluids or tissues have entered them (e.g., for this reason, the commonly used saliva ejector has always been and must be disposable). Reusing single-use devices carries the obvious risk of cross-patient infection.
The design of ErgoFinger® with its small, curved tubes might inhibit the cleaning agents from killing micro-organisms meaning the device might not become adequately decontaminated in the cleaning and disinfection process as required. Thus the transition of the infections could happen. This is why the ErgoFinger® must be a disposable, single-use product and cannot be reprocessed and reused.
How to determine a suitable ErgoFinger® size?
To properly find out your correct finger size, download our Finger Size Guide PDF. Print it and follow instructions.
Keep in mind that if your index finger's first knuckle size is less than 55mm in circumference, choose the ErgoFinger® S-M.
If your index finger's first knuckle size is greater than 55mm in circumference, choose ErgoFinger® L-XL.
How do I use the ErgoFinger® with the mirror?
ErgoFinger® can be used together with a mirror for indirect vision, retraction, and redirecting light to those spots where it is needed. Watch our instructional video on how to use the ErgoFinger® with the mirror.
Kindly notice that when using ErgoFinger®, the direct vision technique is recommended for most of the working areas, since the best possible aerosol control will be achieved, while the correct ergonomic working posture can be maintained.
The ErgoFinger® allows using a new ergonomic operating technique when treating the different areas in the oral cavity. Instead of operating with the traditional way from 9 to 12 o´clock, working from 9 to 15 o´clock is highly recommended with ErgoFinger®. Moving around the patient’s head will assist you to always maintain a neutral and comfortable working posture. You will gain better access to different areas in the oral cavity. This additionally enables the direct vision to the working area with the best possible aerosol control.
Proper patient positioning is also essential for maintaining the best ergonomic working posture. Adjust the patient’s headrest to reach ergonomically appropriate working posture, e.g., using a chin-up position for the maxillary procedures and a chin-down position for the mandibular procedures.
Why should I purchase the ErgoFinger® Hose Kit?
The ErgoFinger® is designed to be used with a lightweight evacuation hose system. The ErgoFinger® will fit in most HVE valves, but standard hoses and valves are heavy and make it more challenging to work. We do not recommend using the ErgoFinger® together with a heavy HVE hose and a heavy HVE valve.
The ErgoFinger® HVE Hose Kit is an accessory containing a lightweight HVE hose and HVE Tailpiece that weighs around 4 ounces. Our HVE Hose Kit makes the difference due to the easier maneuverability allowed by lower weight.
The ErgoFinger® HVE Hose Kit is straightforward to install using our ErgoFinger® HVE 2-IN-1 adapter attached to your dental unit's existing HVE valve.
Kindly watch our instructional setup video by clicking here.
The ErgoFinger® HVE Tailpiece and the ErgoFinger® HVE 2-IN-1 Adapter are both reusable and 100 % autoclavable. The HVE Hose itself is heat resistant up to 212 °F (100°C) but cannot be autoclaved. Refer to the user manual for further instructions regarding infection control procedures here.
What are the maintenance requirements for the ErgoFinger® HVE Hose Kit?
Watch the instructional video on the usage and infection control procedures for the ErgoFinger® HVE Hose Kit by clicking here.
Refer to the user manual for further instructions regarding infection control procedures here.
After each treatment, the HVE Hose, Tailpiece, and 2-IN-1 Adapter must be sprayed or wiped with a suitable disinfecting solution between one patient and the next. It is recommended to change the HVE Tailpiece at the end of each day for better infection control practices.
Additionally, a large glass of clear water can be aspirated through the HVE hose and Tailpiece after each patient is treated. The HVE Tailpiece can also be changed to a sterilized one between the patients. As for the hose, an evacuation system cleaner should be used at the end of the day. Follow the same standard infection control protocols as with any suction line.
Generally speaking, it is always best to consult your dental units and evacuation system manufacturer for recommendations on which cleaning and disinfecting products to use.
At the end of the day, clean and disinfect the HVE Tailpiece and 2-IN-1 Adapter in automated cleaning equipment (ultrasonic cleaner or washer-disinfector) to remove debris and after it autoclave at 134°C (273°F), 2.1 bar, 3min. You might want to consider buying a few of the autoclavable HVE Tailpieces and 2-IN-1 Adapters to ensure a pair is always readily disinfected and sterilized in case of a sudden need.
What is the ErgoAirTip?
The ErgoAirTip is an additional interchangeable nozzle to be used together with the ErgoFinger® when doing air-polishing procedures or using an air abrasion device that generates powder.
Each ErgoFinger® comes with a standard nozzle on it; the standard nozzle has a bore size of 11mm. The ErgoAirTip nozzle differs from the standard nozzle in its design. It has a wider diameter (bore size larger than 14mm) for suction to efficiently collect the powder and aerosols. When using air abrasion or a powder polishing system, you simply remove the standard nozzle that comes pre-assembled with the ErgoFinger® and replace it with the larger ErgoAirTip nozzle.
Watch the ErgoAirTip video here.
I have been using a saliva ejector, but now it's not recommended; why? Why should I use the ErgoFinger®?
To reduce cross-contamination risks at the dental office, the aerosol and splatter should be captured from the ultrasonic scaler before it exits the mouth.
The CDC states that the HVE should be used in clinical situations expected to produce large aerosol or splatter amounts. Multiple studies show that saliva ejectors will not adequately remove splatter and aerosols. This is due to the small bore size and its placement on the floor of the mouth; this same applies to other similar intraoral HVE units. While designed to remove fluids, the saliva ejector is not intended to remove splatter and aerosols and should not be relied on to reduce the spread of infectious material. The reduction in aerosols by placing a large-bore HVE at the front of the mouth during ultrasonic scaling has not been studied and quantified. It is visibly apparent this does not remove a clinically significant amount of splatter and aerosols but, instead, allows them to escape into the operatory. (1)
To reduce cross-contamination risks, it is advisable to capture the spray from the ultrasonic scaler before it exits the mouth. This can be done by placing a large-bore 8 mm or greater HVE within 2 cm of the scaler's working tip. Placing a large-bore HVE at this distance has been shown to reduce the amount of spatter and aerosol and the number of bacteria in the operatory by more than 93%. Visual observation indicates that placing an HVE further away from the ultrasonic tip will allow a large portion of the splatter and aerosols to escape and enter the operatory. It must be emphasized the HVE needs to be continuously positioned within 2 cm of the ultrasonic tip, and the HVE must closely follow the ultrasonic tip to various areas of the oral cavity. (1)
ErgoFinger® controls the aerosols with the design of the nozzle providing a stronger than standard suction power and can remove the water that pools in a patient's mouth like a saliva ejector. The ErgoFinger® has a 360° degrees rotating nozzle with a large bore opening of 11mm that allows the suction power direction right next to and accurately towards the working area to capture fluid, splatter, and aerosol directly from the source.
It has been proven that an HVE tip removes 90-98% of aerosols arising from the operative site reducing risks of contamination. (2-4)
1. Harrel, Stephen K., Clinical Insights: Proceed With Caution. Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. July/August 2020;18(7):16-18,21. https://dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com/article/proceed-with-caution/- accessed 3/19/20
2. Stephen K. Harrel, DDS and John Molinari, PhD, "Aerosols and splatter in dentistry," JADA, Volume 135, No 4, April 2004, p. 429-437
3. Harrel SK, Barnes JB, Rivera-Hidalgo F. Reduction of aerosols produced by ultrasonic scalers. J Periodontology. 1996 Jan;67(1):28-32.
4. King TB, Muzzin KB, Berry CW, Anders LM. The effectiveness of an aerosol reduction device for ultrasonic scalers. J Periodontology. 1997 Jan;68(1):45-9
Why would I use ErgoFinger® instead of the standard HVE?
ErgoFinger® is a great help, especially while performing power instrumentation procedures without assistance.The standard HVE is a difficult-to-handle tube made of rigid plastic, and the feeling on the patient's mucous membranes is often uncomfortable, sometimes even painful. While working with the standard HVE, it is challenging to maintain an ergonomically correct working posture. The operator's hand tends to remain far away from the patients, often causing hand pain and other musculoskeletal disorders.ErgoFinger® helps the clinician maintain a comfortable and ergonomic posture while working, allowing the arms to stay relaxed and next to the body.Positioning the standard HVE accurately is challenging; consequently, it becomes difficult to effectively control and accurately remove liquids and aerosols from the oral cavity.ErgoFinger® comes with a 360-degree rotating nozzle and adjustable length, allowing the HVE to be directed accurately towards the working area; it efficiently reduces the aerosol contamination from the oral cavity and eliminates fluid and debris directly from the source.With the nozzle's variable length, treatments are more accessible within any area in the oral cavity, making all operations naturally more efficient and accurate. When working on the back teeth, the length can be extended to reach the deeper zones; while working on the front teeth, a shorter position can be used. Thanks to the air holes and projections, the nozzle does not get attached to the mucous membranes providing continuous airflow, reducing mucosal aspiration and risk of back-flow.The ErgoFinger®'s ergonomic design allows the clinician to guide evacuation easily when using the powered instrumentation throughout the mouth. Moreover, ErgoFinger® itself can be used for tissue retraction. The soft and elastic material provides a patient-friendly way to enhance the visibility of the working area greatly.
Do you sell in the European Union?
Yes, we do sell in the European Union. For EU citizens, please contact info@ergomedi.com
Where is the ErgoFinger® manufactured?
The ErgoFinger® is designed and manufactured in Finland. It is a patented innovation by Marianne Granlund & Gunilla Taddeo, two Dental Hygienists, with a passion for working as oral healthcare professionals.