Advancement of Ergonomics in Dentistry

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 is the first step in helping to reduce musculoskeletal injuries among hygienists. 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 in a number price ranges. The most important factor is to explore all of the options and find one that fits your particular needs.

Exercises are an essential part of the prevention of musculoskeletal injuries for dentists and hygienists. The most important exercises are those that focus on chest musculature, hamstring muscles, lower back muscles, buttock muscles, and hip flexors (Valachi and Valachi, p. 1604). There are a number of different exercises that work these areas. A physician that specializes in musculoskeletal injuries would be the best source of information as to which exercises would be right for each individual. In addition to strengthening, it is recommended that those in the dentistry field take frequent breaks and that they stretch often. Holding one position for too long is the most common cause of injury.