Ergonomics and Workplace Injury Prevention

Question 1

what is ergonomics

Answer 1

the study of the interaction between individuals and their jobs

Question 2

preparing the treatment area

Answer 2

surfaces, instruments, equipment, patient’s dental chair, clinician’s chair

Question 3

reviewing the patient’s record

Answer 3

review medical and dental history
review the recent progress notes
anticipate appointment procedures or new record making

Question 4

upright position

Answer 4

initial position from patient receptor

Question 5

semi-upright position

Answer 5

back of the chair is reclined at a 45 degree angle
ideal for patients with cardiovascular, respiratory or vertigo issues

Question 6

supine position

Answer 6

brain and heart are at the same height
back of the chair is parallel with the floor
ideal for circulation

Question 7

trendelenburg position

Answer 7

brain is tipped back lower than the heart
back of chain is tipped back and down
back of chair is less than parallel with the floor
some medical emergencies

Question 8

why do we want to achieve and maintain a neutral working position

Answer 8

health of the clinician
service to be performed
effect on the patient

Question 9

clinician-patient positioning

Answer 9

distance: patient’s mouth should be in line with clinician’s elbow, 15-22 inches from clinician’s eyes to patient’s mouth
selection: practical to what you are doing
flexibility: move yourself and the patient to maintain NWP

Question 10

treatment area

Answer 10

patient’s mouth

Question 11

work area

Answer 11

dental chair, patient, tray, clinician and room for 2nd DH/DA if needed

Question 12

equipment to help maintain an ergonomic practice

Answer 12

instrument handle: weight, diameter, taper and texture can change the pinch force
gloves: well fitted
foot pedal control: keep heel on floor at all times

Question 13

instrument handles

Answer 13

optimal weight is 15g or less
optimal handle diameter for instruments and mirrors is 10 mm

Question 14

work layout to help maintain an ergonomic practice

Answer 14

clean space
tray distance: within arms reach
tray set up

Question 15

work process organization to help maintain an ergonomic practice

Answer 15

clinician - patient position: maintain NWP
NWP: loupes
access to what you need: suction, air/water syringe, tray, light

Question 16

instrumentation to help maintain an ergonomic practice

Answer 16

correct working stroke
grasp and fulcrum
sharp instruments

Question 17

carpal tunnel

Answer 17

when the median nerve is compressed causing pain, numbness and tingling in the hand and arm

Question 18

dequarvain’s tenosynovitis

Answer 18

painful inflammation of tendons in the wrist and lower thumb
caused by overuse and repetitive workplace tasks, bending the hand back or to the side, hand twisting, forceful gripping

Question 19

thoracic outlet syndrome

Answer 19

compression of the brachial nerve plexus, between the neck and shoulder causing pain in neck, shoulder or hand, numbness in arm or fingers
caused from tilting the head forward and continuously reaching up
can cause permanent neurological damage

Question 20

ulnar nerve entrapment

Answer 20

painful disorder of the lower arm and wrist caused by compression of the ulnar nerve at the wrist, repeatedly bending the hand up, down, or from side to side at the wrist, holding the little finger away from the hand

Question 21

pronator syndrome

Answer 21

painful disorder of the wrist and hand caused by compression of the median nerve by the pronator muscle from holding the lower arm away from the torso of the body

Question 22

tendinitis

Answer 22

a painful inflammation of the tendons of the wrist caused by repeatedly bending the hand up, down, or from side to side at the wrist

Question 23

extensor wad strain

Answer 23

painful disorder of the fingers as a result of injury to the extensor muscles caused by extending the fingers independently of each other

Question 24

thoracic outlet syndrom

Answer 24

painful disorder of the fingers, hand, and or wrist due to compression of the brachial nerve plexus and vessels caused by tilting the head forward, hunching the shoulders forward, continuously reaching overhead

Question 25

rotator cuff tendinitis

Answer 25

painful inflammation of the muscle tendons in the shoulder region caused by holding the elbow about waist level and holding the upper arm away from the body

Question 26

prevention of workplace injury

Answer 26

no finger pulling
NWP
handle designs
proper positioning
regular rest breaks
chair-side stretching

Question 27

ergonomic risk factors

Answer 27

prolonged awkward position
force grip
static positions
poor physical fitness
repetition
insufficient rest

Question 28

the purpose of functional movement exercises

Answer 28

maintain muscle health through strengthening and lengthening
support the natural curves of the spine
obtain flexibility and balance within the musculoskeletal system
help maintain good posture
create a safe body structure for injury prevention
develop a base for further body strength and conditioning

Question 29

other work related injuries in dental hygiene

Answer 29

needle stick exposure
latex sensitivity: dermatitis to anaphylactic shock
eye injuries

Question 30

eye injury prevention

Answer 30

careful, deliberate techniques and instrument management
eye protection for both dental team and patients