Comparison of Tactile Sensitivity Associated With Varying Weights of Explorers

Tactile sensitivity plays an important role in dental hygiene. A precision grip using the pads of fingers is crucial for developing a delicate grasp when manipulating dental explorers and feeling root surface irregularities. Due to the high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in dentistry and dental hygiene, instruments are being redesigned focusing on ergonomics and the clinician. An example of this is lightweight instruments, which are widely used in dental hygiene instrument kits. Literature supports that lightweight instruments have the potential to reduce work related injuries; however, a concern exists regarding the affect of weight on students' tactile sensitivity when exploring. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of weight on students' tactile sensitivity. Furthermore, it was of interest to see if a breaking point exists where weight had a greater or lesser impact. Methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial utilizing a dual independent statistical design was used. Data were collected on a convenience sample of twenty-five (n=25) dental hygiene students in their senior year of their study. Tactile sensitivity was measured by having subjects delineate coarseness of varying textures of sandpaper in a blinded environment. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics, Chi-Square Tests, and Independent Samples t-test were computed. Results: Preliminary results show no statistically significant differences between groups. Descriptive statistics illustrate that overall, students using lightweight explorers were better able to delineate between textures. With textures that were very similar, students were better able to differentiate coarseness using the heavy explorers. Conclusion: The weight of explorers does not affect students' tactile sensitivity. Due to the small number of subjects, the investigators are only able to report preliminary conclusions. Data collection will continue in the Fall 2005 utilizing the same instruments and approach.