Ergonomics Flashcards
Main goals of ergonomics in dentistry
- Reduce over exertion injury.
- Minimise fatigue.
- Removing unnecessary tasks, steps and effort.
- Offer more opportunities for job satisfaction and comfort.
Consequences of poor ergonomics
- acute or chronic pain
- impact on mood and well being
- accidents and injury
- shorter career
- impacting treatment options
- loss of earnings
Risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders
- vibrations from tools
- static position
- repetitive movements
- minute grasping (small working space)
- excessive force
- pre disposing MSD’s
- poorly designed room
3 umbrella terms under ergonomics in dentistry
Instruments
Equipment/work station
Posture
What body parts are mainly concerned with a good operator position
Feet
Knees
Buttocks
Elbow
Shoulder
What height should the patients chair be put to?
In line with clinicians elbows
How should the feet be positioned for the operator?
Flat on floor, slightly apart
How should the operators legs be positioned?
Slightly apart
Thighs parallel and knees perpendicular to the floor
Correct buttocks seating position
Sit evenly and not to one side
What degree of back tilt is acceptable
0-20 degree tilt
What degree of arm opening is acceptable
0-20 degrees opening
What helps keep shoulders in neutral position?
Staying relaxed, minimises tension
Hands should be?
Neutral
Facing each other
How would you change the patient position to treat maxilla teeth
Angle head rest back and chin up
How would you change the position to treat teeth in the mandible
Angle head rest forward and down, chin down
