title: Influence of file handle attachments on tactile discrimination: an evaluation by dental students.
abstract: This study used a simulator to determine the effectiveness of two file-handle sleeves that are claimed to improve tactile discrimination and the ease of manipulation of endodontic hand instruments. Thirty final-year dental undergraduates inserted files into instrument setting rods until a putty resistance was felt, following which depth of penetration into the material was measured with a microscope. Results were analysed statistically. Despite favourable comments from participants in the trial, the devices failed to deliver enhanced tactile discrimination.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Rehabilitation, School of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Warren
authors.forename: N P
authors.initials: NP
authors.lastname: Chandler
mesh_terms: D003762:Dental Instruments; D004192:Discrimination, Psychological; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013335:Students, Dental; D014110:Touch