QUICK LINK RESOURCES:
ERGONOMICS IN DENTISTRY
TIPS TO AID YOU IN TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF, YOUR PRACTICE AND / OR YOUR STAFF:
Ergonomics is the science of adapting the work environment to protect the musculoskeletal health and well-being of the worker which can lead to improved productivity, reduced injuries, and greater work satisfaction. Implementing ergonomic practices can be beneficial to mental health, not just physical health, because it can help to prevent chronic pain which is a significant contributor to depression. Every dentist’ s needs are going to be different and will have to find the best approach that helps them perform at their best and promote optimal well-being.
HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO INCORPORATE ERGONOMICS INTO YOUR LIFE:
Chairside Stretching |
Practice Mindfulness to Reduce Stress |
Corrective Breathing |
Proper Ergonomic Design |
Chairside stretching can help address microtrauma from prolonged, static postures and helps to target tight muscles. This can be done in short durations between patients more frequently. |
Mindfulness, described as non-judgmental, moment to moment awareness, has been shown to bring about various psychological effects including increased well-being and improved behavioral regulation. |
How you breathe matters. Soft, slow, and deep breathing can help to improve your posture, strengthen your core muscles and can help quell errant stress and cause you to relax. |
Incorporating proper ergonomic design will help to improve the well-being while maximizing efficiency and productivity in the workplace. This is accomplished by designing tasks and workspaces to fit employees’ physical capabilities and limitations. |
QUICK LINK RESOURCES:
The American Dental Association provides numerous health and wellness resources on their website. They have curated content pertaining to ergonomics with resources on preventing hand pain, common back pain causes and treatments, and stretches to help improve your posture. Learn more at Health and Wellness | American Dental Association.
Minding Your Body: Ergonomics Support for Dentists and Teams Follow along with this 30-minute video presented by Dr. Bethany Valachi who helps guide you through different breathing and chairside stretching exercises. Watch the video here.
PDA has curated a series of enlightening webinars focused on addressing the multifaceted aspects of health and wellness in dentistry. These webinars include Dental Guilt, Mental Health and Burnout, Partnering for Your Financial Success, Chairside Yoga, and Learn How to Address Microaggressions in the Dental Office. Click here to watch these recordings.
The FDI World Dental Federation created a document highlighting the importance of incorporating ergonomics in dentistry while providing examples of ideal posture, choice of instruments for each individual dentist, and the difference between direct and indirect visualization. Learn more here.