Ergonomics in Dentistry The Advancement of Ergonomics in Dentistry

Dentistry and dental hygiene require maintaining ergonomically incorrect postures for long periods of time. The most common injuries among dental hygienist and dentists are shoulder injuries. In addition to maintaining these unnatural postures, hygienists and dentist repeatedly move using only a small range of motion in a limited space. This places load on the neck and shoulder, creates an imbalance in muscle length, and an imbalance in muscle strength (McNitt-Gray and Mathlyakom). Maintaining these unnatural postural conditions can lead to injuries such as tendonitis, rotator cuff injury, nerve compression, blood vessel compression and other injuries to the shoulder and upper neck. Injuries can also occur in the hand, wrist, and back. These injuries are not only painful, they impede the ability to continue working. This presentation will explore ways to minimize these injuries through proper ergonomics and strengthening exercises.

The first step to preventing musculoskeletal injuries while working as a dentist or hygienist is to select proper equipment. Selecting the proper seating, lighting, and instruments...

Seat positioning is one of the most important aspects of injury prevention. The best dental chair is one that has the ability to be properly adjusted so that it can maintain the feet flat on the floor and proper lower back support. A light that can be adjusted is also important to preserve eyesight and to avoid bending unnecessarily to see. A light that mimics natural sunlight to the greatest extent possible will help to reduce eye strain. Ergonomic dental instruments are available to help prevent strain to the hands and wrists (Marsh).
An example of ergonomic dental instruments is scalers that have better grips and cushions for the fingers, and that are designed so that less pressure is needed (Premier Smart Sharp Technology). There are a number of different ergonomic dental chairs. The most important factor is finding one that fits your particular body. What is right for someone else may not be right for you. Some dental lights, such as the Helios 3000 by Pelton & Crane allow for color mixing and can adjust to almost any position (Pelton & Crane). There many companies making ergonomic dental equipment…