Definition
Dental ergonomics = science of optimising working conditions to adapt work, instruments and environment to the dentist, not the other way around
Aims to:
Prevent occupational diseases
Ensure optimal working conditions
Improve efficiency and productivity
Increase comfort for dentist, assistant and patient
Exam phrase: “Fit the job to the worker, not the worker to the job.”
Main Goals of Ergonomics
Reduce unnecessary movements
Reduce fatigue and stress
Prevent occupational diseases
Improve quality of treatment
Improve productivity
Improve safety
Improve visibility of the operating field
Improve patient comfort
Save:
Time
Energy
Movements
Occupational Diseases Associated with Dentistry Musculoskeletal disorders
Back pain
Neck pain
Scoliosis
Herniated intervertebral discs
Visual problems
Artificial lighting
Small operating field
Eye strain
Hearing problems
Turbine noise
Micromotor noise
Suction systems
Prolonged exposure above acceptable sound levels Compressed air exposure
Infectious diseases
Transmission through body fluids
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
HIV
Psychological problems
Burnout
Anxiety
Sleep deprivation
Increased blood pressure
Circulatory problems
Varicose veins
Correct Position of the Dentist
Angle between thigh and leg should be slightly greater than 90°
Back should remain straight
Neck should remain neutral
Shoulders relaxed and close to the body
Most movements should originate from the forearm
Use mainly:
Class I movements
Class II movements
Class III movements
Optimal distance from operating field ≈ 30 cm
Do not sit on the entire chair seat
Distal part of the legs should hang freely