Students’ satisfaction with electrical handpieces in an educational setting

Objective:  This article presents the evaluation and outcome of improvements carried out at Case Western Reserve School of Dental Medicine (CWRU) based on feedback provided by students during implementation of electrical handpieces technology in the school. Methodology:  Students were surveyed in February 2010 (first survey) regarding their satisfaction with the existing clinical set-up for electrical handpieces. Following a change in clinical setting and integration of the control box into the dental unit in November 2010, students were administered the same survey as in February 2010 (second survey). Results:  There was an increased level of satisfaction with electric handpieces in the new clinical setting; these levels were significant regarding the ergonomics of the handpiece and clinical setting, operation of the handpiece, and technical maintenance. There was a significant shift from those who were categorically against using electrical handpieces after graduation towards those were ‘not sure’ regarding the adoption of electric technology in their practice. Conclusions:  Specifically improving the clinical setting of a control box for electrical handpieces can influence overall student perception regarding the quality of handpieces and their operation.