It’s no secret that the little movements in the tasks and activities of our dental days can make our bodies miserable. That extra pinch-grip because there was no time to sharpen the dull instruments. That extra neck-bend past neutral position because you can’t say “Turn toward me, please” one more time! Chicken-winging those elbows to compensate for the balance needed for the heavy high-speed evacuation hoses. The shortened appointment times and unexpected double booking that results in the all-night couch-slouch!
We tell ourselves, “Just this one time. It’s worth the risk. It will get me back on schedule,” or “I’ll work through lunch so I can leave early.” Next time, think these decisions through. Is it worth the risk of the extra cumulative damage on your bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments? Will you use that “extra time” to move around or interact with your family, or will it just be extra crash time in the recliner?
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There are better strategies to accomplish stress-free, smooth, appointment times, which should be followed by recouping time away from the operatory.
Use low-maintenance, sharp instruments
Most offices have changed to oil-free handpieces and compressors to reduce the maintenance of everyday items. Why not use sharpen-free or reduced-sharpening instruments? This is a reality now because of the amalgamation of stronger metals and improved manufacturing processes.
Avoid “What a drag!”
There are multiple ways to reduce shoulder, neck, and hand fatigue, elbow splaying, and misaligned torso from cord pull back forces. The simple solution might seem to be using a cordless slow-speed handpiece. This is sound advice but try before you buy. Not all cordless handpieces feel balanced in all hands. Another solution is an ergonomic cord management wristband that can be attached to the cord of an ultrasonic, high- or slow-speed handpiece, water evacuation system, or air-polisher.
Wear those funky compression socks
This little and often unnoticed tactic can increase your energy level by improving blood circulation, as well reducing leg fatigue and those painful spider veins. Look for stockings that are designed for an active user, not one in a supine position, with graduated compression. This means that the pressure applied from the stockings is greatest at the bottom of the legs, near the ankle, and gradually decreases further up the leg. There are varying levels of compression available—15-20 mmHG seems to be the optimum amount of compression for active users.
Use deflective loupes
The biggest room in the world is the room for improvement. The introduction of prismatic deflective loupes offered vast improvements in the ergonomic benefits that loupes offer dental professionals. Set aside some time with your favorite loupe representative to feel the difference that this design offers, with a 0% forward head tilt versus the 20%–30 % forward tilt of first and second generation loupe designs.
Consider a personal ergonomic assessment
This can be conducted in your own clinical setting from a certified ergonomic assessment specialist. Contact your favorite dental ergonomic speaker for additional information. Most of the current speakers have the CEAS training.
Good choices mean a lot when the sum of our everyday choices and movements can result in the disruption of our quality of life or family time. High attention to detail is a well-known characteristic of a good dental hygienist. This includes high attention to yourself, as well.
Resources
- Aldosari MA. Magnification loupes: An Update of the Evidence. J Contemp Dent Pract. 2021;22(3):310–315.
- Heft MW, Fox CH, Duncan RP. Assessing the translation of research and innovation into dental practice. JDR Clin Trans Res. 2020;5(3):262–270. doi:10.1177/2380084419879391.
- Lietz J, Ulusoy N, Nienhaus A. Prevention of musculoskeletal diseases and pain among dental professionals through ergonomic interventions: a systematic literature review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(10):3482. doi:10.3390/ijerph17103482.
- Saccuccio M, Zumbo G, Mercuri P. et al. Musculoskeletal disorders related to dental hygienist profession. Int J Dent Hyg. 2022;20(3)571-579. doi:10.111/idh.12596
The passion Cindy M. Purdy, BSDH, RDH, CEAS, holds for workplace wellness has resulted in the creation of THRIVE, a dental-oriented wellness and therapeutic alternatives summit for dental professionals. THRIVE occurs three to four times annually at Glen Eyrie Castle in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Attendance information can be found at cindypurdy.com. In addition to multiple decades as a clinical dental hygienist, Purdy holds an ergonomic certification from Colorado State University, a certified ergonomic assessment specialist credential, and is certified in health-care ergonomics.
