You, Me and Ergonomics - Food for Thought

The other day I was working and things just felt difficult. It wasn’t the procedure actually that was difficult. It was the access. I was working on the last top tooth in the patient’s mouth – her last molar WAY in the back. And I had a cheek protector, cotton rolls, everything that could help me get better access, and keep the area dry– if it could help me it was there.  I was pulling her cheek so I wouldn’t hurt the inside of her mouth, and I was defying all laws of ergonomics – I would have defied gravity if I could have. You can picture the scene. It is a very common one in any dental office or many patients' dental experiences. 

Now, how long are most dental appointments for you? Depending on how many procedures you are having done, and if it is a more complicated procedure, some can last for more than 2 hours right? A lot of times there is a moment that comes during treatment, when I’ve been drilling a little while, and the patient needs a break. I need a break. Anyone would need a break. There was a patient the other day that needed to get up and walk around the building a few times to keep their circulation going!

During those few hours with us, it is very difficult to keep your mouth open the entire time. And how many times have you had your dentist ask you, OPEN PLEASE? If not once, then I’m sure you’ve heard it multiple times. We are not asking this to annoy you. We are asking this of you to SEE what we are doing – millimeters of space make a huge difference in teeth!!! And we know you’re tired. We get a little tired too. The bite block has become one of my most favorite work tools – I wish I had invented it!!!

The reason I share this with you is the issue of ERGONOMICS and patient comfort. We had one class during dental school about ergonomics and longevity of practice. Just one class and I wish they had emphasized it instead throughout our curriculum– as it is truly an important part of our day. It is an important part of MANY people’s days who aren’t even in the dental field! And we’ve seen the images posted where they tell you specific angles that you should be at for the BEST posture. 

In dentistry – that is almost impossible to follow. And we hear about people having carpel tunnel syndrome or repetitive stress disorders that result from bad posture, repetitive movement, and stress from sitting at the computer, from the daily grind of things. It’s natural – but I am writing this to remind us of the importance of it – so we can work until WE are ready to retire…and not before.

The best advice I would suggest is:

• ·         Remember to stretch your back, your hands, your neck - before, during, and after working on a patient (just like at the gym!)
• ·         Take breaks if it is a long procedure (this is great for you, great for the patients, and it reduces muscle fatigue (in our hands and their jaws!)
• ·         Have good loupes (magnification glasses) and if possible a loupe light to see without bending. It will SAVE your back
• ·         If possible, use ergonomic chairs(one office I work in has an ergonomic chair that looks like a saddle – it forces you to sit straight or it will tip over)
• ·         Neck pillows for the patient are great for you and great for them. (Win-Win = HOORAY!)
• ·         Remember to POSITION the patient for YOUR comfort. We in the dental field wish we could all open like that REACH commercial where the cartoon can open his mouth 180 degrees, but we are humans and we can’t! (if you can please come to my office for dental treatment!!!)  you’ll be more efficient

I know that sometimes/most times – it is bend your back, do it all TO SEE so we can do a good job. Bu remember - Ergo-Who? ErgoNOMICS!! Ergo-ME – working as ergonomically as possible!!!!

image courtesy of factoidz.com