The Amdent US30em is a new piezoelectric scaler manufactured in Sweden by Amdent AB and marketed in the United States by Biotrol International. The external case of the US30em consists of an upper and lower assembly. The upper assembly is a one-piece, high-density composite material that is smooth and devoid of any openings. This design prevents aerosols or disinfectants from penetrating the inner workings of the unit. The lower assembly is constructed of a polyvinylchloride-coated aluminum frame. Each of the control knobs that protrude from various locations on the external case has a removable and fully autoclavable silicone cover.
Amdent's solution for speeding-up tip changing and enhancing infection control is the Quick-a-Tip handpiece system. The Quick-a-Tip is an integrated tip and removable handle. It is comprised of an autoclavable, high-density, plastic handle and stainless-steel working end. It is attached by rotating the threaded Quick-a-Tip over the corded handpiece. Near the working end of the Quick-a-Tip is a silicone rubber grip that is said to reduce operator fatigue by acting as a vibration damper and to allow a better purchase on the handle. Three Quick-a-Tips and two sets of autoclavable knob covers are included with each US30em. A conventional corded foot switch is used to activate the unit when powered. The US30em is compact. It measures 2 inches high by 5 inches wide by 8 inches deep and weighs just 3.5 pounds. The scaler is configured for 120 volts and is ETL listed and CE marked.
As an option, the unit can be equipped with an endodontic function that reduces the power to it by 50% over the entire range so it can be used during endodontic therapy. Optional Quick-a-Tip fileholders are available in increments of 70-, 90-, and 110-degrees. Also available are Quick-a-Tips for condensing amalgam and cementing crowns and inlays.
The Amdent US30em piezoelectric scaler is easy to use for dental prophylaxis procedures. The US30em is extremely light and portable, and calculus removal was judged to be good. When equipped with optional handpieces, this unit can also be used for endodontic procedures. Providers liked the appearance of the unit and found the noise level generated during use to be acceptable. The simple, modern design of the unit facilitated established infection control procedures such as disinfection and barrier protection, and the handpiece is autoclavable, as are the silicone covers for the control knobs. The power adjustment controls were well placed and the unit features indicators for handpiece efficiency. Operating, installation, and maintenance instructions were complete and easy to follow. The unit comes with a full two-year warranty for parts, with a 3-month warranty on the Quick-A-Tip handpieces.
Clinicians who routinely used magnetostrictive scalers found the learning curve a bit steep. The scaler did not have a separate water system.
This review has been adapted from the DECS website. The DECS has no formal association with Dentalcompare or with vendors listed on dentalcompare.com. The DECS does not specifically endorse any particular product or vendor and is provided for informational purposes only.
