Lecture 12: safety and ergonomics

Question 1

Eye protection is important for

Answer 1

Importance cannot be overstated!
Infections from a number of sources can cause permanent visual impairment

Question 2

What can happen if you dont wear eye protection

Answer 2

Pumice and polishing pastes
Tiny pieces of teeth that break off during high speed drilling
Bacteria laden calculus
Calculus almost always scratches the eye and thus bacteria gets deposited directly into the wound
Splashing from rinsing solutions

Question 3

Mouth and lung protection

Answer 3

High speed equipment such as ultrasonic scalers and high-speed drills create a vapor that contains bacteria, blood, saliva, and tooth dust
This vapor extends up to 3 feet from the source and can irritate and infect the respiratory system
Masks
Respiratory masks offer more protection than surgical masks
All masks, no matter what kind, must fit tightly to function properly

Question 4

Hand and skin protection

Answer 4

Gloves protect the patient from cross contamination and protect the veterinary staff from the toxic materials used in dentistry
Toxins in resins, x-ray chemicals, and cold sterilization chemicals are all absorbed through the skin
Some are carcinogenic and accumulate in the body with repeat exposure
Most affect the liver and kidneys

Question 5

Glove concerns

Answer 5

Latex allergies can occur over time
You should contact your physician if any problems occur such as local rash, itching, breathing difficulties, or conjunctivitis
Proper fit is important to prevent hand fatigue that can lead to tendonitis in the wrist
Gloves should be loose through the palm of the hand
If they are too tight, the muscles of the palm will cramp with the effort to maintain a relaxed position

Question 6

Hand Washing is important for

Answer 6

Proper hand washing is important for disease control
Employees should always wash their hands before putting on gloves in case a glove is torn or otherwise penetrated during the course of a procedure
Hand washing agents such as simple soap help by destroying the cell walls of bacteria
Antiseptics such as alcohol, iodine, iodophors, and hexachlorophene are also effective

Question 7

Hand washing techniques

Answer 7

Proper technique is important
Jewelry should be removed
Hands should be washed for a minimum of 1 minute initially and then for 15 secs between each patient
Hands should be rinsed in cold water; making sure to remove all soap, then dried thoroughly
Hot water causes the pores in hands to open, which draws water from the hand and makes them more susceptible to dermatitis

Question 8

Sharps

Answer 8

Needles are another source of infection
Too keep from accidentally stabbing oneself, needles should be recapped using the scoop method or discarded directly into a sharps container without the cap
Sharps containers should be disposed of properly when they reach the full line

Question 9

Eye shields

Answer 9

Light-curing guns use an intense white light to cure resins
This light, if looked directly at, can cause permanent retinal damage
Refrain from looking directly at the light
Approved orange eye shields are required when light curing guns are used

Question 10

Composite Restoration Materials

Answer 10

Require an acid etch for maximal adhesion
This solution, which can splatter when rinsed off, is extremely strong and can cause damage if it touches an area other than the enamel
Chemical reactions to the uncured resins are possible
Acid etch should be used with caution
Employees should always wear gloves and glasses and understand the proper way to use this substance

Question 11

Toxins safety procautions

Answer 11

Toxic chemicals, radiographic chemicals, disinfectant surface cleaners, ultrasonic cleaning solutions, and cold-sterilizing chemicals should never be handled gloves
The toxic substances that cause them to work are absorbed through the skin and can accumulate in the body, causing major health problems

Question 12

Repetitive Motion Disorders are

Answer 12

These are prevalent in occupations that require small repetitious movements
These symptoms often decrease or disappear completely with increased attention to positioning, stroke and hand placement, ergonomics, and strengthening exercises
Occasionally the damage to the nerves is so extensive that the technician can no longer work in dentistry

Question 13

Symptoms of repetitive motion disorders

Answer 13

Stiffness in the neck and shoulders
Soreness in the elbow and/or wrist
Hand fatigue
Headaches
Tingling or numbness in the fingers of the affected side
Tendonitis may also occur in the elbow and wrist as a result of bad positioning

Question 14

How to prevent repetitive motion disorders

Answer 14

Prevention of repetitive motion disorder is based on keeping repetitive motions as stress-free as possible
Ergonomics is the science of designing the workplace so that operators remain in the most neutral positions possible

Question 15

Neutral position description

Answer 15

Sit with knees slightly below the hips, the back straight, the elbow at a 90 degree angle, and the thumb relaxed at the top of the hand
The head points straight forward, and the shoulders are relaxed
Feet should be flat on the floor or resting on a full footrest on the chair
The back is as straight as possible, with the head leaning over as little as possible
While working, keep the shoulders relaxed (not hunched) and the head level
Never lean on the table supported by the forearm or bend the wrist from the straight position
Resting the feet on the floor with too great an angle between the hips and knees also puts pressure on the lower back and impairs circulation to the lower leg and feet
The working motion while hand scaling should be a pull stroke that rolls the entire forearm, bending the wrist as little as possible
Remember that during the course of the procedure you can change your position or the position of the patient to reduce the risk of injury
Some teeth are more easily reached from over the head, some from the front of the mouth, and some from the patient’s mandible side

Question 16

How to prevent repetitive movement disorders

Answer 16

Repetitive stress injuries can be prevented
The type of instruments used can make a significant difference
Use of ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments with correct types of handles helps
Patient positioning is also relevant
Selecting the correct glove size and regularly performing hand-strengthening exercises are also important preventive measures
The use of ambidextrous gloves can cause fatigue
The thumb may be pulled back to a non-neutral position which exerts excessive force on the thumb as it moves forward

Question 17

Which instruments should you use to reduce movement disorders

Answer 17

Use of mechanical-powered dental instruments in place of manual hand instruments reduces the risk of injury
Mechanical-powered dental instruments should be used whenever possible
Ultrasonic scalers are an excellent choice for removal of heavy deposits and subgingival root cleaning (with the correct tip)
Instruments with “fat” handles are easier to hold so reduce the fatigue caused by pressing the handles with sufficient force to remove deposits
Hold instruments with a modified pen grasp
Dental operating lights rather than surgical lights afford greater flexibility in illuminating the deeper parts of the mouth so the operator does not need to lean excessively to see the back teeth

Question 18

Strengthening exercises

Answer 18

Stretch during long procedures or whenever you feel fatigued
Alternate hand and mechanical procedures during treatment to help rest muscle groups
Follow the exercises outlined on pages 116 – 119 of text
Give your body a chance to heal and rest between workdays
Sleep position, hobbies, types of exercise all have an impact on your body’s chance to heal