PATIENT AND DENTIST CHAIR POSITION Dr.linda maher

. The practice of dentistry is demanding and stressful. Dental procedures can be carried out both in sitting and standing positions. Physical problems may arise if appropriate working position is neglected

Three important things should be taken care of before starting a dental procedure are :- a)Dental chair position. b)Patient position. c)Operator position.

DENTAL CHAIR Designed to position patient comfortably while providing doctor and assistant easy access to oral cavity.

PARTS OF THE DENTAL CHAIR arm rest back rest Head rest

DENTAL CHAIR CONTROL

DENTAL UNIT

X-RAY VIEWER

SPIT SINK

DENTAL UNIT RHEOSTAT

LIGHT

DENTAL STOOL

. Saliva ejector High volume evacuator Air-Water syringe

SEATING THE PATIENT The patient should have direct access to the chair . The chair should be low, the back rest upright and the arm rest adjusted to allow the patient to get into the chair. After the patient is seated, the arm rest is returned to its normal position.

. The headrest cushion is positioned to support the head and elevate the chin slightly away from chest so that neck muscle strain is minimal and swallowing is facilitated . The chair is then adjusted to place the patient in a reclining position. The patient in a comfortable position is more relaxed and more capable of co -operating with the dentist.

PATIENT POSITION The common patient positions in dental clinics are:- 1) Supine position 2)Reclined position 3)Upright position The choice of the patient position varies with the operator, type of procedure , area of mouth involved.

UPRIGHT POSITION

SUPINE POSITION In supine position the patient's head knees and feet should be approximately at the same level

RECLINE POSITION

,

. in emergency conditions like Syncope , Patient's head should be positioned lower than the feet.

OPERATORS POSITION Proper operating positions and good posture reduce fatigue and physical strain and possibility of developing musculo- skeletal disorders. Most dental procedures can be accomplished while seated . Unnecessary curvature of the spine or slumping of should be avoided . Back and chest are held in upright position with the shoulders squared which promotes proper breathing and circulation.

,

Patients position 12 indicate patient’s head position

PATIENT TO DENTIST POSITION RELATIONS 12 indicate patient’s head position

1\ RIGHT FRONT POSITION (7 O’CLOCK) 2\ RIGHT PSITION (9 O’CLOCK) . . For a right handed operator 1\ RIGHT FRONT POSITION (7 O’CLOCK) 2\ RIGHT PSITION (9 O’CLOCK) 3\ RIGHT REAR positions (11 O’CLOCK) 4\DIRECT REAR (12 O’CLOCK)

For a left handed operator . For a left handed operator 1\LEFT FRONT (5 o’clock) 2\LEFT(3 o’clock) 3\ LEFT REAR(1 o’clock). 4\DIRECT REAR (12 O’CLOCK)

. DIRECT REAR position in which operator is located directly behind the patient and looks down over the patient's head.

FOUR HANDED AREA a technique in which a dental assistant or dental hygienist works directly with the dentist on the procedures being done in the mouth of a patient. The technique reduces fatigue and improves the effectiveness of dental procedures

ZONES AND POSITIONS The position of the patient is determined by the procedure to be performed. Most dental treatment is provided with the patient in the supine position. Once the patient has been seated, the dentist and the assistant should place themselves in the proper positions for treatment. These positions are best understood by relating them to a clock. In the clock concept, an imaginary circle is placed over the dental chair, with the patient’s head at the center of the circle

. . The circle is numbered like a clock with the top of the circle at 12 o'clock. The clock, as shown in last figure , is divided into four zones of operation: 1\Static zone,(empty zone can be used if any addition equipments are required e.g. suction machine-oxygen cylinder…etc) 2\Assistant's zone, 3\Transfer zone,(for instrument transfer between the operator and the assistant) 4\Operator's zone. The use of these zones is the key to the efficient implementation of the principles of four-handed dentistry

These can include root canals, crowns, bridges and gum surgery. Many types of dentistry employ both the dentist and assistant, or hygienist working as a team. These can include root canals, crowns, bridges and gum surgery. True four-handed dentistry is most effective when the dentist does not have to reach or stretch for instruments in any way.

This serves to speed the process by clear and concise organization. Four-handed dentistry is now a standard practice in most dental offices. Dentists and their assistants continue to streamline and advance the technique as they work

Thank you .