Dental Ergonomic Risk Factors and Control Measures

Significant ergonomic risk factors for dentists are static loading of the neck (prolonged focus on small areas inside the patient’s oral cavity) and static loading and awkward postures of the hands (anesthetic injection and drilling of patient’s teeth).

Sigificant ergonomic risk factors for dental assistants are twisting and turning of the back, and extended reaches of the arms to access dental instruments, prolonged static postures, forceful exertions of the hands while using dental instruments, and carving fillings.

Control measures include, but are not limited to:

- Replace older rear delivery equipment with more modern “continental-style” over-the-patient equipment. Utilize patient chairs that are as thin as possible.

- Ensure that existing equipment is functioning properly and that all chairs are able to be raised and lowered within the range for which they were designed.

-Design operatories so that the assistant or dentist does not have to get up or twist to use an amalgamator or curing light.

- Practice good posture while treating dental patients.

- Utilize slow set amalgams when doing large fillings.

Ref. NIOSH: HETA 98-0032-2795, Indian Health Service Dental Clinics, Arizona

Ergonomic Risk Factors in Dental Offices

Q. What factors contribute to Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) in the dental office?

A. WMSDs in dental personnel is a significant issue, that does not get enough attention in terms of prevention efforts. Ergonomic stressors include, but are not limited to:

• Repetitive motions (e.g., scaling, polishing)
• Awkward and static neck, back and shoulder postures
• Poor or improper adjustment of equipment
• Infrequent breaks

The April issue of The Dental Safety Compliance Newsletter will feature an article on dental ergonomics by a leading expert, Bethany Valachi, MS, PT, CEAS. She is president of Posturedontics, a company that provides research-based dental ergonomic education (www.posturedontics.com). You can sign up for our complimentary Newsletter in the Web Form in the right column of this Blog Page.

Ergonomics in Dentistry

The risk of muskuloskeletal disorders among dental professionals is significant. Risk factors include awkward postures, repetition, excessive force (e.g. pinching instruments with the small tendons of the hand) and vibration. Preventing neck, back, shoulder, arm and hand pain can be accomplished through engineering controls (e.g. adjustable chairs, use of loops, ergonomic equipment), proper posture and easy to learn stretching. Ergonomics in dentistry will be addressed in more detail in the April Issue of our electronic Newsletter - The Dental Compliance Monitor. Sign up today for your FREE subscription in the sign-up box on this Blog.

Email Policy - Your email address is safe and secure. We do not disclose or provide your email address to any businesses nor do we rent or sell email.