Ergonomics in Dental Practice

Question 1

Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Injury and Disorders

Answer 1

• static posture
• poor posture
• excessive use of small muscles
• Tight, prolonged grasp
• Repetitive, forceful movements
• Positioning challenges
• Confined working space
• Equipment limitations

Question 2

Common Work Related Musculoskeletal Injuries

Answer 2

Force +
Repitition+
No break+
Position=
Musculoskeletal Disorder

Question 3

Numbness or Tingling

Answer 3

Nerve

Question 4

Sharp, localized pain

Answer 4

Tendon

Question 5

Fatigue

Answer 5

Muscle

Question 6

Clunk, pop or crack

Answer 6

Joint

Question 7

What can you do to avoid Musculoskeletal Problems

Answer 7

• Reg pracitce work related musculoskeletal exercises
• Practice proper ergonomics with emphasis on staying neutral as much as possible
• Use appropriate clock positions and patient operator positioning

Question 8

The Core Four

Answer 8

Prayer Stretch
Wrist Stretch
Doorframe Tracing
Chin Tucks

Question 9

Establishing Neutral Position In relation to the patient

Answer 9

Operator stool- hip angle < 90o
Patient chair- patient’s nose below clinician’s waist
Sit next to patient- arm across waist with shoulders relaxed
With patient’s mouth open, chin should be below the point of your elbow.

Question 10

Dental Loupes do 2 things
Improve __
Reduce __

Answer 10

Improve posutre

Reduce MSDS

Question 11

Right operator operates from which clock positions

Answer 11

9-12