Advancement of Ergonomics in Dentistry The presenters make the argument that women dentists are particularly vulnerable to occupational injury and pain. Research indicates that flexibility, balance, and strengthening exercises performed at home and during off-duty hours can help women dentists from sustaining musculoskeletal injuries during dental practice. The authors emphasize that women dentists must make behavioral changes with regard to positioning and rotation of tasks in accordance with their knowledge about ergonomics. The importance of selecting equipment designed for and scaled to women is addressed. The presentation includes a discussion of work-related musculoskeletal disorders common to dental service providers, and illustrates the impact that dental healthcare has on the rate of musculoskeletal disorders.

Introduction

The purpose of this table clinic is to provide women dentists and dental hygienists with examples of incorrect and correct postures while carrying out dentistry services in a clinic setting, and to demonstrate exercises that help to prevent musculoskeletal injury and pain as a result of the demands of dental practice. Research has shown that women dentists tend to sustain more injuries the job and experience more pain related to musculoskeletal causes than do their male counterparts. Most injuries are preventable through behavior change, such as rotating tasks to avoid repetitive injuries or undue strain, correct positioning, and the use of appropriately designed and scaled dental equipment. The table clinic will briefly present information on the common work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) that occur in dental service providers, including neck and...

Included in the presentation will be reasons why dental health-care personnel (DHCP) commonly assume awkward work postures. These reasons include: (1) To obtain better views of the intraoral cavity; (2) To provide a more comfortable position for the patient; (3) To coordinate their position relative to the dentist or assistant; and (4) While operating equipment and reaching for instruments and supplies. The presentation will clarify the risk factors associated with dentistry, such as: (1) Chronic repetitive movements of the hand and wrist; (2) Abnormal or awkward positions of the wrist; (3) Mechanical stresses to digital nerves (Ex: sustained grasps on instruments); (4) Forceful work; (5) Extended use of vibratory instruments; and (6) Inadequate work breaks. Finally, the presentation will provide a concise summary of some of the statistics of WRMSDs in dentistry.
Materials and Methods

The session will include a brief introduction of WRMSDs in dentistry, followed by presentation of the exercise and positioning images. The last several minutes of the presentation will be reserved for Q&A. The session will include photographs (or videos) showing the proper exercises to perform at home, and photographs that show women dentists in correct and incorrect positions during a mock-up of their dental practice.

The following is a list of resources was used to design the table clinic.

From Google Scholar:

Ayers, et al. (2009, February). Self-reported occupational health of general dental practitioners. Occupational Medicine, 59, 142-148.

Alexopoulos, et al. (2004). Prevalence of…