Arguably some of these innovations are unnecessary, but many of these instruments that have clearly made our practice lives more enjoyable and in certain cases dramatically more efficient. However with these developments comes the monumental task of how to efficiently and ergonomically deliver and use them in the dental treatment room. This clearly can be a struggle and a dilemma for any endodontist and especially an endodontist designing, setting up and/or building or remodeling a new or existing facility. Many and/or most of these instruments have power supply cords or pneumatic supply hoses of some sort that create a compounded correspondingly complex cord management issue in the operatory. Cord management can easily become a frustrating and formidable task to say nothing of the counter clutter that can so easily result. If a clinician is blessed or cursed with what could be termed a neat freak disorder, delivering and using these instruments on what is oftentimes an anxiety stricken patient can create some uncomfortable scenarios.

Well over a decade ago I consciously revisited what I chose to use in my endodontic patient care. I looked for and imagined a potentially smoother way to use all the endodontic instruments that I considered necessities and what my dear wife referred to as my "gadgets and toys". I struggled with decisions about where all these instruments should come from in my treatment room. Rear delivery, side delivery, or over the patient? What is best in my opinion can only be determined by the experience and personal preference of the seasoned individual clinician. However that being said there is a company that stands out well above the rest that can and does provide superlative delivery of most if not all of our "endodontic instruments and armamentarium". Advanced Systems Integration (ASI) is that company. Over ten years ago I designed and ASI fabricated my first ASI delivery cart. Over the past decade I/we have designed and/or redesigned, modeled or remodeled my ASI delivery cart numerous times. Obviously this is due to numerous factors. Certainly the never ending release of new and different instruments for the endodontic specialty has been a significant factor. This does not speak of my own fascination with utilizing and incorporating some of the latest and greatest innovations for endodontics that the specialty has ever seen. Also more than noteworthy is the consistent pushing of the envelope that the ASI team has done in the research and development arena to deliver these instruments efficiently. ASI has clearly made our lives in the treatment room more efficient and considerably more enjoyable.

I so clearly remember the significant reduction in my stress level the first day that I used my first ASI cart. My stress level was reduced specifically because I was able to pick up an instrument of my choice and step on one foot control vs. wondering if I had or would step on the right foot control for the desired function of a given device. Since those early days I have elected to modify my ASI cart at least seven times. While this may be considered overkill by many clinicians, for me it has been exciting, fun, stimulating and very creative.

The Boy Scouts of America incorporated in 1910 by William Boyce has a simple motto, "be prepared". Today I still adhere to that motto. With small movements of the arm and wrist I have safe, efficient, ergonomic delivery of handpieces both high and slow-speed, torque controlled handpieces, electrosurge, dual ultrasonics, micro heated sonic irrigation, micro evacuation, Stropko® Irrigation syringes, System B®, Calamus® and Root ZX® as well as a light cure wand. When applicable all are on a single foot control. Huge "preparedness" and huge efficiency!

My ASI cart has its own cart garage so that it is neat, clean, serviced and out of sight from the patient when not in use. It has been properly serviced by my endodontic team and we are prepared. The cart stays in the garage until we are ready for patient treatment. By design my patient never views the various instruments wondering what we are potentially going to do with the intimidating looking paraphernalia. Numerous patients have commented and even thanked me as well as my staff for keeping the instruments out of sight and thus out of mind.