Category: Ergonomics
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 […]
3 Ways to Reduce Pain When Treating Dental Patients
Many dental professionals simply consider pain and discomfort a part of their careers, but it doesn’t have to be this way. While treating more than a dozen patients a day results in pain, stress, and various musculoskeletal issues, there are ways to reduce the pain and discomfort dental providers experience on a day-to-day basis. Unfortunately, many dental […]
Easy Ways for Dentists to Improve Their Posture
Whether you are a dentist or a dental hygienist, it’s important to maintain a good posture while working. The problem with dentistry is that the focus is always on the patient, often to the detriment of the wellbeing of providers. Not taking care to maintain a good posture while treating is a surefire way to increase stress, […]
How Dentists Can Confront the Two Most Common Occupational Hazards
Dentists face a number of occupational hazards and other health issues during the course of their careers. These issues can cause financial and physical hardship, as those who suffer from them will inevitably see fewer patients and have shorter careers. While these issues persist in the field of dentistry, there are ways to confront them and mitigate their negative effects. These […]
Treatment Positions that Cause Pain in Dentists
As most dentists and hygienists know, treating more than a dozen patients a day can leave you feeling tired, sore, and in pain. The underlying core of this is the repetitive motions combined with awkward angles necessary to gain access to all areas of a patient’s mouth. While it may seem fine to twist your body […]
Three Things Dental Chairs Do to Make Patients Uncomfortable
Modern dental chairs have come a long way in terms of design, comfort, cleanability, and new features. Even today, they undergo rigorous testing and design tweaks to make them more comfortable for patients, all while making it easier for dentists and hygienists to comfortably provide treatment. Despite these modern advancements, there are still some issues […]
Simple Ergonomics Tips for Dentists and Hygienists
From patients to patient care, front office duties, and simply running a business, there’s a lot for dentists to keep track of. It’s no wonder that simple ergonomics are not at the top of anyone’s mind while they are treating patients. But forgetting to position oneself correctly during treatment is the leading cause of back, neck, wrist, […]
How the Occlusal Plane is Causing Pain in Dentists
The occlusal plane, the imaginary plane that is formed by the occlusal surfaces of a person’s teeth when they close their jaw, is well known to anyone who has studied dentistry. But did you know that its importance extends beyond dental treatment? It helps with more than giving a patient a straight, pleasant smile. It can also help prevent musculoskeletal […]
How to Position and Treat Dental Patients with Disabilities
Treating patients with physical and development disabilities is a challenge for any dental practice. Every dental patient is different, this is especially true for patients with special needs. Some will have physical limitations that prevent them from being positioned in certain ways, which can make treating them difficult and uncomfortable. Other patients will have development […]