Every morning when you get to your dental office, ergonomics is probably not the first thing that concerns you. It’s also probably not the second, third, or fourth thing, either. For many doctors, hygienists, and assistants, it’s not until the end of the day that anything related to ergonomics comes to mind. An ache in your back or a couple of sore feet – all symptoms of a long day of work.
A recent study indicates that anywhere from 64 to 93 percent of dental health professionals experience musculoskeletal pain and poor posture, and inefficiently designed workspaces are often the culprits. Many doctors try to tough out the pain and can ignore it for years, but there are a number of potential injuries that can come from this.
“Exposure to repetition and exuding force leads to fatigue, discomfort and ultimately pain, which causes cumulative disorders (MSDs). And injuries can contribute to a long-term disability,” explains Ben Malone, a Certified Ergonomics Assessment Specialist (CEAS) and A-dec Regional Manager in Texas. “With all the available tools, information, and equipment options, there are alternative solutions that allow a dentist to work pain-free.”
Take an in-depth look at the importance of ergonomics in your dental practice in our latest edition of Patterson Today. You may find that addressing the root causes of an aching back can lift more than just the bottom line for your practice.
Read the full article here.
