As a dentist, do you really know how to use a saliva aspirator?

How to hold the saliva aspirator and how to hold it

Hold the pen in the same way as holding the saliva suction device. In addition, when operating the saliva suction device, be sure to clamp your armpits.
Stand as close to the treatment table as possible to make it easier to operate.

Assistants generally remain standing at all times during work (only skilled assistants sit down).
Because I work in a sitting position, the viewing angle is not good. For example, during surgery on the molar area, there is no way to ensure sufficient surgical field.

Open your feet slightly wider than shoulder width and maintain a fixed position.

The elbows are naturally bent, so that even if the patient moves the jaw slightly, the field of vision can be easily maintained.
The comprehensive treatment table seat is generally at a 45° angle so that the patient’s head does not feel too restricted.

Tips for positioning the saliva suction （saliva aspirator）device

Avoid obstructing the doctor’s view

During diagnosis and treatment, the attending physician and assistant often have different perspectives.

The assistant must be careful not to obstruct the attending physician’s view when positioning the saliva aspirator.

The assistant usually stands at the 2 to 5 o’clock position, while the attending doctor stands at the 12 o’clock position.
The surgical field starts from the cephalad direction.

However, if the attending doctor’s position is between 8 and 9 o’clock, care must be taken to avoid placing the saliva suction device to the left of the doctor’s perspective.

Depending on where you stand, your field of view will vary.

Changes in positioning between the attending physician and the facilitator can cause changes in the field of view. In addition, if you can stand accurately in the position corresponding to the surgical area, the field of view will be wider.

The attending doctor basically stands at 9 to 12 o’clock, 12 to 4 o’clock during the extraction treatment of the residual root of the lower jaw, and 3 pm to 5 pm during the extraction treatment of the left upper wisdom tooth. At this time, it is best for the assistant to stand at 8 to 9 o’clock.