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Increasing Productivity by Effective Use of Four-Handed Dentistry – Part 3: Instrument Transfer Technique
Assistant Requirements

Course Author(s): Betty Ladley Finkbeiner, CDA-Emeritus, BS, MS

Assistant Requirements

In order to maximize the efficiency of an instrument transfer technique the assistant needs to follow these guidelines:

  • Maintain instruments on a pre‑set instrument tray or cassette in the sequence of use in order to facilitate rapid location of needed instruments during a procedure (Figure 5).
  • Anticipate the need for the next instrument.
  • Stay alert, with eyes on the operative field, for any change in the procedure.
  • Be ready to modify the sequence of instruments when necessary.
Figure 5.
instruments organized in order of use
  • Place the instrument to be transferred in proper position of hand.
  • Position the working ends of instruments need for the proper dental arch; up for the maxilla and down for the mandible.
  • Receive the used instrument from the operator.
  • Use positive pressure during the transfer of the instrument to ensure the operator senses that the instrument has been delivered; this eliminates the operator from looking away from the site or fumbling the delivered instrument.
  • Move used instrument back into hand to be placed, remove debris from the instrument.
  • Replace on the tray in the appropriate position or into transfer position if the instrument is to be used again.
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