Category: Ergonomics
The 4 Things That Cause Back Pain in Dentists
Studies show that 70 percent of dentists suffer from back pain. This is a staggering number and one of the top issues in dentistry today. Becoming a dentist has many benefits, but it also has its risks. Back pain is one of them, but what causes it? It turns out that there are four major […]
How Dental Professionals Can Mitigate Trigger Point Pain
Trigger points among dental professionals are common due to numerous risk factors, including mental stress, sustained muscle contraction, lack of movement, repetitive motions, poor body mechanics and ergonomics, and poor posture and body symmetry. Trigger points are among the most misunderstood sources of pain, but they are also one of the most common in dental […]
What Causes Arm Pain in Dental Providers?
Dental hygienists and dentists are exposed to prolonged and awkward postures that can lead to painful arm and shoulder conditions. These professionals often work for extended periods, lean over patients, and use their hands repeatedly to probe hard surfaces. The repetitive nature of these tasks can lead to various arm-related issues, which can lead to […]
How Dentists Can Avoid and Eliminate Neck Pain
Working in the dental field can be rewarding. However, it can have its fair share of challenges. One of the issues dentists and hygienists often face is chronic neck pain. It’s part of the job, but it doesn’t have to be something debilitating. If it is left unchecked, musculoskeletal issues in the neck can lead […]
Ergonomic Risk Factors That Cause Pain in Dentists
There are several ergonomic risk factors that exist in the field of dentistry. Few dentists go through their entire career without experiencing some type of musculoskeletal issue. Pain in the neck, back, hips, shoulders, and wrists are all too common. Dentists worldwide have faced a growing problem of work-related musculoskeletal disorders such as carpal tunnel […]
Simple Posture Corrections for Dental Professionals
Every dentist soon learns that their practice comes with a certain level of pain and discomfort. The practice itself requires dentists and hygienists to maintain static, uncomfortable positions for long periods of time. You get into the optimal treatment position, hold steady, and work, regardless of what it does to your body. This often involves […]
Addressing the Comfort Gap in Modern Dental Chairs
Are your dental chairs making patients uncomfortable? While the design of dental chairs has evolved over the years, the number of people who actually enjoy and look forward to going to the dentists has not. Comfort plays a large role in this, and patient discomfort can negatively impact their level of anxiety during dental treatment. […]
How Musculoskeletal Issues Affect Dental Hygienists
There are troubling numbers in the dental industry when it comes to pain management and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in dental hygienists. Research shows that MSDs are one of the most common causes of workplace-related injuries, making up over 30 percent of total cases. The same research notes that about 92 percent of all dental professionals […]
Optimal Positioning for Dental Patients
When it comes to treating dental patients, positioning is everything. It not only determines whether the patient is comfortable, proper patient positioning also allows dentists and hygienists greater access to treatment areas with significantly less effort. This enables you, the dental operator, to work without discomfort and lower the chances of musculoskeletal issues from occurring. Is there a right […]
Common Musculoskeletal Issues in Dentists and Their Causes
Dental professionals are all too familiar with musculoskeletal issues. Studies have shown that more than 62% of dentists reported at least one musculoskeletal complaint, with 30% being chronic complaints, 16% having spells of absence, and having 32% sought medical care for their complications. These types of issues are one of the top reasons for early retirement, reduced patient […]