Category: Ergonomics
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 […]
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 […]