6-handed dentistry

27 Mar

It's possible for a dentist to work entirely unassisted. It's a very slow, tiring and frustrating way to work, but it can be done.

Adding a nurse to that equation (4-handed dentistry) speeds things up and makes the dentist much more productive. That's why almost every dentist has a dental nurse.

But, what about adding a second nurse and going to a "6-handed" set-up?

Is the extra cost justified in increased profitability and reduced stress?

That was a question I pondered several years ago when the issue of 6-handed dentistry was raised on a dental chat line. At that time I was working 4-handed and thought I had it all down pat. I didn't see how the extra pair of hands could help.

Nevertheless, being a "try it and see" type of person I gave 6-handed a go.Was I ever amazed!

My treatment times came down 30% to 50% and work became much less tiring and stressful. The reasons why 6-handed dentistry is better than 4-handed are these two:

You never have to wait. Everything is ready the moment you need it.
You never have to change focus. Everything is handed to you right where you are working

The increased productivity I experienced paid for the cost of hiring a new nurse at least twice over and my life was made easier which is absolutely priceless.

If you haven't tried 6-handed dentistry you really should give it a go.

If you’d like a deeper look at the workflow, the economics, and why those time savings are so dramatic, I’ve put together a comprehensive Deep Dive on 6‑handed dentistry that expands on everything in this post.

More posts on clinical efficiency:

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6‑Handed Dentistry

Discover how 6‑handed dentistry dramatically reduces appointment times, boosts productivity, and lowers stress. Learn why most dentists overlook this workflow and how it can add hours of efficiency to every clinical day.

When Less Is Better

Fewer tools, fewer steps, fewer decisions — minimalism in dentistry leads to better outcomes, lower costs, and a calmer, more fulfilled dentist.

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Dental practice stands on 3-legs

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Dr Mark Hassed

After 35 years in private practice and more than 20,000 crowns, Mark Hassed now helps dentists do what he spent decades figuring out himself — communicate better, work more efficiently and enjoy the job again. He teaches practical systems that increase case acceptance, reduce stress, and lift productivity across the whole team.

6-handed dentistry

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