Suction is one of those things in dentistry that seems simple—until it’s not. A good suction technique allows for clear visibility, a dry field, and a smoother procedure for both the clinician and the patient. However, when working without an assistant, many clinicians find themselves stuck in an awkward and ergonomically harmful position, holding the suction themselves while trying to see and work effectively.
The Problem with Holding Suction Yourself
If you’re working solo and manually holding your saliva ejector or HVE, you likely know the struggle. Here’s what happens:
You lose the ability to use your mirror effectively. Without a free hand, visualization becomes more challenging, leading to awkward and uncomfortable postures.
Your posture suffers. Holding the suction forces your neck and back into strained positions as you try to compensate for the lack of a mirror.
Excessive grip force wears down your muscles. Over time, tightly gripping the suction can fatigue and damage the muscles in your hands, arms, and neck, contributing to long-term musculoskeletal issues.
A Simple Hands-Free Suction Solution
The good news? There’s a simple way to improve your suction technique and protect your body. I created a short video demonstrating an easy method clinicians can use when they only have a saliva ejector. Check it out below!
While this is a helpful trick, the best solution is always hands-free suction—allowing you to work comfortably, see better with your mirror, and reduce unnecessary muscle strain. Various suction devices on the market can help with this, and I always recommend investing in one.
Where to Get Hands-Free Suction Devices
If you’re ready to protect your body and improve efficiency, I have some great hands-free suction solutions available in my shop. You can also order these through your preferred dental dealer. Want more details? I wrote an article on this topic, which you can read here.
By making this small but impactful change, you’ll work more comfortably, reduce fatigue, and improve your overall ergonomics. Your body will thank you!
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