The dental profession is at high risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSD),
with 96% of practitioners reporting pain due to clinical work habits. This is
due to repetitive movements, bending, twisting, reaching, incorrect operator and
patient positioning, and performing repetitive movements in a static posture.
Ergonomics is the science of fitting the working environment to the practitioner
instead of forcing one's body to acclimate to the environment. Practicing proper
ergonomics can increase productivity, decrease pain, and lengthen one's career.
Allowing the individual to practice pain-free, ergonomics can improve the
quality of one's life and work satisfaction. At the conclusion of this course,
participants will learn about the most common musculoskeletal disorders in
dentistry, as well as ideal positioning for dental hygienists, dentists, and
dental assistants.
Presenter: Stephanie Botts, RDH, BSDH, CEAS
Learning objectives
• Identify unique cumulative stress
and musculoskeletal disorders that affect dental professionals
• Review
patient and operator positioning to improve ergonomics and reduce pain
DT_CE