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Delivery systems: rear, side, over-the-patient
Also called: rear delivery, side delivery, front delivery, over-the-patient delivery, over-the-head delivery
Where the handpieces and syringe sit: behind, beside or over the patient.
Offices set up their delivery units in different ways. Rear delivery keeps the tools behind the patient's head, out of the patient's sight, but can make the operator reach or twist to get them. Side delivery puts them beside the chair, handy for the dentist but out of the assistant's reach. Over-the-patient (front) delivery puts them on an arm over the chest, reachable by both but in the patient's view. Over-the-head designs try to combine the benefits and can switch between right- and left-handed use.
How to spot it
- Where the handpiece hoses hang: on a cart or console behind the head, on an arm beside the chair, or on a tray over the chest.
What it is used for
- Learn where each tool sits in your rooms so you can reach and pass it without twisting.
Safety and care
- Repeated reaching and twisting to get tools can strain the back and shoulders; reposition instead.
Related
Sources: Dental Economics. Delivery systems: Which one is right for you?