<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Polishedposture.net]]></title><description><![CDATA[Polished Posture]]></description><link>https://www.polishedposture.net/blog-2</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Sat, 14 Nov 2026 00:16:53 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.posturepros.net/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Dental Hygiene Month: Ergonomic Essentials for Hygienists]]></title><description><![CDATA[October is National Dental Hygiene Month (wahooooo)! While we spend a lot of time celebrating the profession, I think it’s also the perfect reminder to celebrate—and take care of—the body that allows you to do this work every day. Let this be your guide for your top ergo must-haves Dental hygiene is physically demanding. The repetitive movements, awkward patient positioning, pinch force, reaching, twisting, and long hours in static postures can add up over a career (I know they have with...]]></description><link>https://www.polishedposture.net/post/dental-hygiene-month-ergonomic-essentials-for-hygienists</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6abeb2717a453d464744fa6a</guid><pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2026 15:46:39 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a726dc_817f180758954a849b2427f4abcfcb16~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Steph Botts</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Top 8 Tips for Working Comfortably in Dentistry During Pregnancy]]></title><description><![CDATA[Pregnancy changes your body—and it may need to change the way you work in the operatory, too. A stool you once loved may suddenly feel uncomfortable. Getting close to your patient can become more difficult. Your back, wrists, hips, and pelvis may fatigue faster. You may experience dizziness when standing or reaching overhead. Instead of pushing through discomfort, your ergonomics should adapt along with your body. Here are eight tips for staying more comfortable during pregnancy. 1. Expect...]]></description><link>https://www.polishedposture.net/post/top-8-tips-for-working-comfortably-in-dentistry-during-pregnancy</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6aba9cdd252777db003fc44a</guid><pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2026 12:41:57 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_1800f68c83944db0b7122950b71d5407~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Steph Botts</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Dental Assistant Ergonomics: 7 Ways to Reduce Pain and Protect Your Body]]></title><description><![CDATA[When we talk about ergonomics in dentistry, a lot of the conversation focuses on dentists and dental hygienists. But dental assistants are right there beside us—often twisting, reaching, suctioning, retracting, passing instruments, and trying to see around another person for hours every day. And sometimes, the assistant ends up with whatever space is left. I didn't start as an assistant before hygiene school, and I am the WORST assistant ever! The times I've tried, I have realized how hard it...]]></description><link>https://www.polishedposture.net/post/dental-assistant-ergonomics-7-ways-to-reduce-pain-and-protect-your-body</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6aaaccf62dc1ddd4aee21e4b</guid><pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2026 14:00:52 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a726dc_6af72cd622984878982a830cf0166377~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Steph Botts</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Move More, Hurt Less: Why Microbreaks Are a Non-Negotiable for Dental Clinicians]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you’ve ever finished a long day with a sore neck, tight shoulders, or aching wrists—you’re not alone. One of the biggest (and most overlooked) contributors to that discomfort isn’t just posture… it’s how long we stay still. As dental clinicians, we spend hours in static positions. Whether it’s a forward head tilt, rounded shoulders, or that all-too-familiar “chicken wing” arm, our muscles are often stuck in isometric contraction—working hard without movement. Over time, this creates...]]></description><link>https://www.polishedposture.net/post/move-more-hurt-less-why-microbreaks-are-a-non-negotiable-for-dental-clinicians</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69f8cc287b1c42fb24fb09f8</guid><pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2026 16:58:52 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a726dc_6d74c8592b924a169304ceebccc5c1f5~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Steph Botts</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hand &#38; Wrist Pain in Dentistry? 4 Simple Fixes That Actually Work]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you’re dealing with hand, wrist, or even elbow pain after a long day in the operatory, there’s a good chance pinch and grip force are playing a bigger role than you think. As dental clinicians, we’re constantly holding something—mirrors, scalers, suction, polishers—and over time, even small amounts of excessive force add up. The result? Fatigue, inflammation, and eventually injury if we don’t make changes. The good news: small adjustments can make a huge difference. Before we dive in,...]]></description><link>https://www.polishedposture.net/post/hand-wrist-pain-in-dentistry-4-simple-fixes-that-actually-work</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69f34d47533c8cdf2db30b00</guid><pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2026 21:10:37 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a726dc_f1e7b633d7a240f1a025ffd41a464c68~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Steph Botts</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Polishing Smarter, Not Harder: 7 Tips That Made Me Actually Enjoy Polishing]]></title><description><![CDATA[If polishing is your least favorite part of the appointment, you're not alone—I used to dread it too. Between the splatter, awkward positioning, and constantly refilling the prophy cup, it always felt more chaotic than it needed to be. But over the years, I made a few simple changes that completely transformed how I polish. It's now faster, cleaner, more ergonomic, and honestly... a lot less frustrating.  Before you dive in, watch my quick video below where I demonstrate these tips in...]]></description><link>https://www.polishedposture.net/post/polishing-smarter-not-harder-7-tips-that-made-me-actually-enjoy-polishing</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a67888cd1a59ce0fe290e7c</guid><pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2026 16:43:04 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a726dc_9fbafd3d8836421984d1c961e19a60ca~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Steph Botts</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stop Holding the Suction: The Ergonomic Upgrade Every Dental Professional Should Make]]></title><description><![CDATA[ Before you read: I put together a complete video tutorial demonstrating exactly how I use my three favorite hands-free suction devices  You'll see how each device is placed with a patient and why I believe hands-free suction is one of the easiest ergonomic upgrades you can make in dentistry. Watch the video first, then keep reading for the "why" behind it  If you're still holding the HVE or saliva ejector every time you use your power scaler, polisher, handpiece, or place sealants,...]]></description><link>https://www.polishedposture.net/post/stop-holding-the-suction-the-ergonomic-upgrade-every-dental-professional-should-make</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a54f953fbbbd2a4e5b44d6c</guid><pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:01:47 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a726dc_ca832a2d62fe45eb97ffc12d13512f8b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Steph Botts</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Is Your Dental Stool Causing Your Back Pain? Here's What Every Dental Professional Should Know]]></title><description><![CDATA[ Before you keep reading, be sure to watch my YouTube video below where I walk you through exactly how to adjust your dental stool for better posture, positioning, and comfort.  Proper stool setup can make a huge difference in reducing strain on your back, neck, and shoulders—and it's much easier to understand when you can see it in action. ⬇️ Watch the video below, then come back for the science behind why it matters. When most dental professionals think about buying an ergonomic stool,...]]></description><link>https://www.polishedposture.net/post/is-your-dental-stool-causing-your-back-pain-here-s-what-every-dental-professional-should-know</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a4bbd51f7b480551f156536</guid><pubDate>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 16:58:19 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a726dc_f3cfd11920c24d0a95edd6850f99c50a~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Steph Botts</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Ergonomic Dental Products I Actually Use Every Day (And Why They Work)]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you've been waiting for the perfect time to upgrade your ergonomic setup, my Christmas in July Sale is here—but before you shop, here are the products I personally use every day and why they've earned a permanent place in my operatory. As a dental hygienist with nearly 20 years of clinical experience and a Certified Ergonomics Assessment Specialist, I get asked all the time: "What products actually make a difference?" There are plenty of products with flashy marketing, but not everything...]]></description><link>https://www.polishedposture.net/post/the-ergonomic-dental-products-i-actually-use-every-day-and-why-they-work</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a43f6bcdc061b2051d941f4</guid><pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2026 17:19:07 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a726dc_7ace5292e37c4e9fab1b2893e3cf5752~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Steph Botts</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Hygiene Shortage Debate: What If We're Asking the Wrong Questions?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Few topics create more heated discussions in dentistry right now than the hygienist shortage. Before we go any further, these are my opinions. It's completely okay if you disagree. Can There Be a Shortage and a Retention Problem? Personally, I believe there is a hygienist shortage. And a dentist shortage. And an assistant shortage (but I digress). I also believe there are practices struggling with retention because of poor systems, lack of support, burnout, physical strain, limited benefits,...]]></description><link>https://www.polishedposture.net/post/the-hygiene-shortage-debate-what-if-we-re-asking-the-wrong-questions</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a381a2aa8977cb11dd8ff37</guid><pubDate>Sun, 21 Jun 2026 17:22:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a726dc_b74aa38fc6204196ac9e447cfeedecf6~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Steph Botts</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What's Never on My Tray as a Dental Hygienist (And Why Setup Matters)]]></title><description><![CDATA[After nearly two decades as a dental hygienist, I've learned that the tools you choose can make a huge difference in both patient care and your long-term health. When people ask me what is always on my tray, the answer is easy. But first, let's talk about what's never on my tray. 1. Skinny, Heavy Mirror Handles This is probably my biggest ergonomic pet peeve. Traditional narrow mirror handles require more pinch force to hold securely. Over time, that extra gripping can contribute to hand...]]></description><link>https://www.polishedposture.net/post/what-s-never-on-my-tray-as-a-dental-hygienist-and-why-it-matters</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a303df1b7a8fae04ebb5ecd</guid><pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:12:54 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a726dc_5c0bd019360549f0996a82f71996bec8~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_827,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Steph Botts</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Build Your Dental Dump Truck: Why Strong Glutes and Thighs Matter for Dental Professionals]]></title><description><![CDATA[Let's talk about your "dental dump truck." While most dental professionals focus on their neck, shoulders, and wrists when it comes to preventing pain, one of the most overlooked areas is the lower body—specifically your glutes and thighs (see below for sample workout) We spend so much time talking about neck pain and shoulder pain in dentistry, but your posture doesn't start at your neck—it starts at your pelvis. And your glutes are one of the primary muscles responsible for keeping that...]]></description><link>https://www.polishedposture.net/post/build-your-dental-dump-truck-why-strong-glutes-and-thighs-matter-for-dental-professionals</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a2bd99244c7bef1d02d54ce</guid><pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:16:05 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a726dc_30c6f277dcdb41f2a173561974a08a10~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Steph Botts</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Viral Egg White Wraps: The Easy High-Protein, Low-Calorie Wrap I Can't Stop Making]]></title><description><![CDATA[As dental professionals, we often spend our days taking care of everyone else while neglecting our own nutrition. Sound familiar? You start the day with good intentions, but before you know it, lunch is a protein bar, leftover donuts from the break room, or whatever snack you can grab between patients. The problem is that many of these quick options are high in sugar and low in protein, leaving us with an energy spike followed by the dreaded afternoon crash. That's why I've been loving these...]]></description><link>https://www.polishedposture.net/post/viral-egg-white-wraps-the-easy-high-protein-low-calorie-wrap-i-can-t-stop-making</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a283ff157d70dac979750a3</guid><pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2026 16:43:04 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a726dc_860d2e8b205d4df69e18e60792e1f9a2~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Steph Botts</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Hidden Habits Causing Your Pain: Reaching &#38; Twisting in Dentistry]]></title><description><![CDATA[Have you ever wondered why so many dental clinicians end up dealing with pain or injury? It’s rarely one big moment—it’s the small things we do all day, every day. Think of it as “death by a thousand cuts”… but ergonomic. Two of the biggest culprits I see during ergonomic assessments? Reaching and twisting. When I observe clinicians, I often see them reach or twist hundreds of times in just a short window. Now zoom out—what does that look like over the course of a full day… or a year in...]]></description><link>https://www.polishedposture.net/post/the-hidden-habits-causing-your-pain-reaching-twisting-in-dentistry</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69f8cf0db27e981e27c49782</guid><pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2026 14:04:09 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a726dc_6b69990ee6904c8689504011521b9377~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Steph Botts</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Dentistry: How to Prevent Injury and Protect Your Career]]></title><description><![CDATA[Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) affecting dental clinicians—and one of the leading reasons providers miss work, require surgery, or even leave the profession altogether. The reality? It’s often not caused by one major incident, but by years of repetitive strain and subtle ergonomic habits. So what exactly is carpal tunnel syndrome? It occurs when the median nerve—which runs through the wrist—becomes compressed. This can lead to numbness,...]]></description><link>https://www.polishedposture.net/post/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-in-dentistry-how-to-prevent-injury-and-protect-your-career</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69fa065a5caf4ed272bd48f4</guid><pubDate>Mon, 25 May 2026 14:05:56 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a726dc_078d4d5e2c83496eb0bc03c5b651389f~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Steph Botts</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Make Your Dental Mirrors Last Longer (And Protect Your Vision at Work)]]></title><description><![CDATA[Dental mirrors are one of the most used—and most abused—tools in the operatory. If your mirrors are constantly getting scratched, cloudy, or losing their clarity, it’s not just frustrating… it’s also adding unnecessary visual strain to your day. The good news? A few simple habits can dramatically extend the life of your mirrors and keep your view crisp and clear. Keep reading for my top tips, a helpful video, and my Hygiene Month Sale in my shop: My Go-To Tips for Mirror Care 1. Use cassettes...]]></description><link>https://www.polishedposture.net/post/how-to-make-your-dental-mirrors-last-longer-and-protect-your-vision-at-work</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69fa02902528aeae0147321b</guid><pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 14:12:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a726dc_e4507cf29aba40f8842f47b7ad8ae36f~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Steph Botts</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Dental Hygiene Week Sale: Top Ergonomic Picks]]></title><description><![CDATA[Celebrate Dental Hygiene Week With Ergonomic Savings Happy National Dental Hygienist's Week! It’s the perfect time to treat yourself (and your posture!) to ergonomic essentials that make clinical life easier. In my shop , I’ve put together an exclusive sale running all month long while supplies last. You’ll save $15 off orders of $100 , $25 off $200 , and $40 off $300 or more —plus special discounts on some of my favorite products. Here are the top picks I recommend adding to your cart this...]]></description><link>https://www.polishedposture.net/post/dental-hygiene-week-sale-top-ergonomic-picks</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69cfe7d770c127bc4edf27f3</guid><pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 18:12:27 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a726dc_817f180758954a849b2427f4abcfcb16~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Steph Botts</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Positioning Elderly Dental Patients: How to Work With Their Body (Not Against It)]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you’ve ever struggled to position an elderly patient, you’re not alone. Many of these patients present with significant forward head posture and kyphosis (that “hunched” upper back)—and it completely changes how we need to approach positioning. And here’s the reality: This is only going to become more common. There are over 70 million Baby Boomers in the U.S., and as this population continues to age, we’re going to see more patients with mobility limitations, spinal changes, and difficulty...]]></description><link>https://www.polishedposture.net/post/positioning-elderly-dental-patients-how-to-work-with-their-body-not-against-it</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69ce7c8df7044e6cf7a8a9dd</guid><pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 16:08:51 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a726dc_8a390e2501fd4aa7bc52b9d87683e8ba~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_213,h_300,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Steph Botts</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Step-by-Step Guide to Positioning Your Patient (Without Sacrificing Your Body)]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you’ve ever felt like your patient “just won’t lean back,” it’s usually not them—it’s our setup. Proper patient positioning is everything when it comes to protecting your posture and keeping your patient comfortable. Here’s exactly how I walk through it in practice (see the end for a video too): Step 1: Support the Head First Before you even recline your patient, attach a cushion to the headrest. The human head weighs about 10–13 pounds, and if it’s not supported, the neck has to work...]]></description><link>https://www.polishedposture.net/post/the-step-by-step-guide-to-positioning-your-patient-without-sacrificing-your-body</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69ce77e86def0df73ca9ce48</guid><pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:20:06 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a726dc_8a04d6d8b6bf48d59dbf6544d10388be~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_791,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Steph Botts</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why You’re Still in Pain After a Day of Seeing Patients (And How to Fix It)]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you’re ending your day with a sore neck, tight shoulders, or aching wrists after seeing patients… you’re not alone. But here’s the part most people don’t realize: Even if you think  your posture is good… even if you’ve invested in better equipment… you can still end your day in pain. Because the issue isn’t just how  you’re working. It’s how long you’re staying still. Read on for some quick tips, videos, and my free posture mini-course with my fave stretches! The Real Reason You’re Still...]]></description><link>https://www.polishedposture.net/post/why-you-re-still-in-pain-after-a-day-of-seeing-patients-and-how-to-fix-it</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c5528117c64e1bc92a3586</guid><pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:44:25 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a726dc_ca832a2d62fe45eb97ffc12d13512f8b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Steph Botts</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>