ARTICLES
The Choice to Empower Your Health
Dental clinicians are at high risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Up to 96% of dental hygienists report pain due to clinical work habits, including repetitive movements, bending, twisting, reaching, incorrect operator and patient positioning, and 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.
RCC Spotlight: Stephanie Botts, PosturePros
Meet Stephanie Botts, BSDH, RDH, CEAS, one of five new members of the RDH Community Connections (RCC) dental hygiene influencer program and ergonomics specialist.
Establishing the ideal posture for your practice: Let’s put it in neutral
Stephanie Botts, RDH, urges dental hygienists to prioritize their own posture when practicing to avoid some of the more common risks associated with the profession.
Prioritize the most important piece of ergonomic equipment
When thinking of dental ergonomic equipment, many different pieces come to mind: operator and patient chairs, loupes, instruments, handpieces, and operatory design to name a few. But there is one piece of equipment that is the most important of all, and it's free! Your mind.
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6 Bad Habits Every RDH Should Avoid
After coaching numerous hygienists, I’ve identified six habits that can lead to ergonomic injury and career burnout.
How to Practice Safer Dentistry: 5 Tips From an Ergonomics Coach
Adopting an ergonomic mindset is crucial in practicing dentistry. It allows us to respect and honor our body’s unique capabilities and limitations by adjusting our work environment to support us.
Nearly 100% of hygienists have pain on the job. What can you do?
Adopting an ergonomic mindset is crucial in practicing dentistry. It allows us to respect and honor our body’s unique capabilities and limitations by adjusting our work environment to support us.
Common Ergonomic Errors and Solutions for Dental Hygienists
Dental hygienists are at high risk for on-the-job musculoskeletal disorders. There are several things you can do from the very beginning of your career to prevent this.