null / Isolation

The application of rubber dam is seen by many dentists as a stressful exercise that only 
serves to frustrate both the practitioner and the patient. Despite the majority being aware 
of the many benefits of working under dam, it is often something that is only ever used 
when it ‘has to be’. Why is this? The answer is simple- it is an exact science, a mathematical 
equation if you will. If we do not know the formula then how can we complete the sum?

With its small, wet, hostile and unpredictable working environment dentistry is inherently 
difficult; using rubber dam to stabilise this changes everything. Learn how to create a setting 
for dentistry that is reproduceable, predictable and patient friendly. This consistent set up 
will naturally result in better dentistry both in terms of the quality of work delivered by the 
dental team and also by providing a more relaxing patient experience.

The aim of this session will be to piece together the puzzle that is rubber dam isolation. 
Through a mix of didactic and hands-on learning, delegates will be taught how to quickly 
place effective and reproduceable dam in most clinical scenarios.

Aims and objectives:

  • Understand when and why rubber dam should be used 
  • Appreciate the many benefits of working under dam 
  • Learn how to manage patient acceptance of rubber dam 
  • Understand the importance of material & equipment choice 
  • Master the essential skills of making floss ligatures and inverting the dam 
  • Understand how to stabilise the dam 
  • Discover multiple methods to retract the dam and soft tissues 
  • Learn how to isolate for every day dentistry including quadrant isolation, anterior isolation and split dam
Céline Higton
Dentist with a special interest in Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry