I first qualified as a dental hygienist ten years ago, in July 2001 in Leeds. Since then I have worked in specialist, general and mixed private/NHS dental practices in Yorkshire, London, Surrey and Hampshire. I have developed skills and coping mechanisms for each patient treatment from rapid back-to-back routine appointments, to more involved periodontal treatments.

As all hygienists and therapists know, sharp, fine, strong instruments that get to where they are needed without trauma, or breaking are essential.
There is a move to minimal instrumentation, to 'micro-surgical' techniques, so the finer and sharper, all
the better. I have used instruments from different companies over the years, each with their merits.

I enjoy working with the American Eagle instruments, particularly the 'easy access' Gracey instruments as they reach down deepest pockets. I especially like that they are narrow, so as to be kind, even in tight pockets.
The gold coloured 'XPX' instruments really do stay sharper for longer, so can be relied upon in busy practice to be effective and gentle. The lightness of each instrument aids dexterity, and light touch treatment pressure; preventing trauma to patient and the likelihood of carpel tunnel syndrome for the clinician.

I reckon that the bright cheerful colours are less off-putting to patients, when they see them. The colours stay good and handles look 'fresh' after many cycles in the autoclave. So look clean and more 'friendly' than instruments that mark over time. The colour coding helps me with recognition, although I'm used to looking at the tips, its a quick check to see that the sets are correct for sterilizing, and it helps save time.

In the past it has often ruined my day to reach for an instrument and discover that it is blunt because I know that my hands & fingers will be more painful afterwards and the patient will have experienced more discomfort. I am genuinely delighted to have discovered American Eagle Non Sharpening instruments. I've been using them for a few weeks now and how wonderful it is to have complete confidence that every single time I use them they will be sharp and, more importantly, they will retain their sharpness. My sharpening days are now over - what a great feeling!

What attracted me to American Eagle XP Instruments originally was their permanent cutting edge. No more sharpening!
Although I like to think my sharpening technique was pretty good, it became apparent with extended use, other instruments inevitably reduced hugely in effectiveness. Now with American Eagle instruments I'm producing consistent quality root surface debridement. I particularly like the fine shafted Gracies with the coloured resin handles. They have a great well balance feel, good tactility sub-gingivally and with the XP technology, keep my hands and wrists healthy.

The Airflow Handy, in my opinion, allows me greater flexibility in delivering better efficacy in clinical outcomes. More importantly however, my patients tell me they not only like Airflow Handy but also now request it.

Since introducing AirFlow into my practice four years ago I can honestly say I can’t do without it. The research and technology that has gone into the design makes the quality and efficacy of this equipment to the highest standard. My patients love the results and as a profitable addition to the practice, my principal loves it too!

There are some things that I consider essential to the work of a hygienist and top of my list is the EMS Airflow System. Removing extrinsic stain is an important part of the work I do and it gives me huge pleasure to use a system that seems to remove the stain effortlessly whilst giving me the reassurance that it’s safe to use because it’s so low in abrasion. In our practice we routinely use Airflow before we do any whitening. And many patients specifically book in for it before a big occasion. There’s something really special about helping the bride and bridegroom prepare for their big day! I work to a very tight schedule and it is important that I keep to time. Airflow allows me to do that – it’s so simple to use and completely reliable; it has never let me down. Above all, the patients love it – it’s painfree, it feels great and quite literally sends them out with a smile on their faces

As a clinician I welcome new equipment to the practice of dental hygiene. The workshops helped me identify the current and future needs in product development to enhance the dental hygiene profession.

Tracey passes on not only technical skills and knowledge but her great passion for improving patients health-very inspiring!

Excellent course- very beneficial to be able to have a hands-on element to put theory into practice

This was a long awaited training course, I really appreciate Optident for putting this on – brilliant!

Hands- on, confidence boosting, concise course . Perfect for 21st century - AirFlow should be a standard in every dental practice

Fantastic course-explaining every aspect and such an opportunity to try Air Flow- thank you!