Harmony ergonomic scalers and curettes designed with Truefit technology

HuFriedyGroup has introduced the new line of Harmony™ Ergonomic Scalers and Curettes designed with TrueFit™ Technology. This latest addition to the best-in-class instrument portfolio from HuFriedyGroup is a truly ergonomic scaling solution backed by scientific innovation.2020 is not a year we are going to forget; it was a year that tested us mentally, emotionally and financially around the globe.

"We set out with the goal of developing a new scaler that would provide scientifically proven ergonomic benefit for clinicians, improving their experience and that of the patient as well," said Stacie Barth, Vice President, Global Strategic Business Unit, HuFriedyGroup. "Our rigorous, data-supported design process is a novel approach for the industry and the results speak for themselves. More than ever, dentists and dental hygienists need to feel comfortable with their instruments and the new Harmony Scaler is designed precisely to improve their daily working experience."

HuFriedyGroup developed the Harmony Scaler using TrueFit Technology to provide true ergonomic benefits driven by scientific evidence. This advanced, sensor-based testing system measures pinch force in the finger and pressure applied to the tooth when scaling. With over 2.8 million data points recorded, HuFriedyGroup researchers and engineers utilised TrueFit Technology to develop a scaler handle with optimal proportions and ideal width that provides a secure and nimble grasp.

HuFriedyGroup relied on a broad, globe-spanning group of hygienists to participate in testing and development as part of an iterative design process. To ensure a scientific perspective and accurate representation of the data collected, HuFriedyGroup worked with a world-renowned third-party analytics firm to review and analyse the resulting 2,878,320 data points.

The result was pure Harmony, a handle that reduces pinch force up to 65% compared to other leading scaler designs. This reduces the amount of pressure a clinician needs to apply when using the instrument, which may alleviate hand fatigue and injury risk due to repetitive motion.

With up to 37% less pressure against the tooth surface during scaling compared to other leading scaler handle designs, Harmony Ergonomic Scalers and Curettes can increase patient comfort and reduce clinician fatigue. Furthermore, Harmony features EverEdge™ 2.0 Working Ends, which are 72% sharper than the next leading competitor, which also contributes to creating a more comfortable experience for both clinician and patient.

The durable metal handle, which features a recessed double-helix texture, is designed for optimal tactile sensitivity and to reduce tactile fatigue. The comfortable silicone grip, which has been extended by 30%, provides a secure and nimble grasp with a geometric pattern specifically designed for stable grip in any direction. Clinicians can comfortably manoeuvre and roll the scaler due to the round shape of the handle and the smooth transition to the functional shank.

With 30 unique working end options, including Sickles, Universals and Graceys, the Harmony Scaler is available now!

Harmony: Features and benefits

Knowing nearly 70% of dental hygienists experience hand, wrist and/or arm pain,¹ HuFriedyGroup proactively developed an innovative and truly ergonomic hand scaling solution. Building off the success of EverEdge 2.0, the NEW Harmony Ergonomic Scalers and Curettes designed with TrueFit Technology are the latest addition to the best-in-class hand instrument portfolio.

1. Fit for You, with over 2.8 Million Reasons to Believe⁴
   Comfortably manoeuvre and roll the scaler due to the round shape of the handle and the smooth transition to the functional shank. With over 2.8 million data points measured, this handle was designed to easily adapt to your individual grasp.⁴
2. Reduces Pinch Force Up to 65%²
   This may alleviate hand fatigue and injury risk due to repetitive motions.^3,4,5,6
3. Reduces Pressure on Tooth by 37%⁷
   Harmony scalers and curettes may increase patient comfort, while reducing clinician fatigue because it requires less pressure to the tooth when scaling.
4. Confidence in Your Hand
   The durable metal handle, which features a recessed double-helix texture, is designed for optimal tactile sensitivity and to reduce tactile fatigue.
5. Secure and Nimble Grasp
   The silicone grip has been extended by 30%,⁹ which can provide a secure and nimble grasp while using the instrument. The geometric pattern is specifically designed to maximize grip in all directions.
6. Sharp Matters - 72% Sharper
   EverEdge 2.0 working ends, which are 72% sharper than the next leading competitor,¹⁰ allow clinicians to efficiently remove calculus. Sharp scalers require less pressure to do the same amount of work, creating a more comfortable experience for you and your patients.

References

1. Hayes MJ, Cockrell D, Smith DR. A systematic review of musculoskeletal disorders among dental professionals. Int J Dent Hygiene. 2009;7:159-165.
2. Data on file. Available upon request.
3. Compared to the Hu-Friedy #9 metal handle, these are the nominal values. Data on file. Available on request.
4. Data on file. Available upon request.
5. Int J Dent Hygiene 7, 2009; 159–165 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-5037.2009.00395.x, Hayes MJ, Cockrell D, Smith DR. A systematic review of musculoskeletal disorders among dental professionals.
6. Rempel, David, et al. "The Effects of Periodontal Curette Handle Weight and Diameter on Arm Pain." The Journal of the American Dental Association, vol. 143, no. 10, 2012, ppa. 1105–1113., doi:10.14219/jada.archive.2012.0041.
7. Lalumandier, James A, and Scott D McPhee. "Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hand Problems and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome among Dental Hygienists." Journal of Dental Hygiene, vol. 75, no. II, 2001, pp. 130–134.
8. Mulimani P, Hoe VCW, Hayes MJ, Idiculla JJ, Abas ABL, Karanth L., Ergonomic interventions for preventing musculoskeletal disorders in dental care practitioners. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2018, Issue 10. Art. No.: CD011261. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011261. pub2.
9. Data on file. Available upon request.
10. Compared to the Hu-Friedy #9 metal handle, these are the nominal values. Data on file. Available on request.