1. Ergonomics And Dentistry
By Murad Hooda
DTD. 10/26/2016
UHCL INDH 5335

2. Ergonomic Exposures & Body Parts Affected
The Following % Of Dental Hygeinists have Indicated Varying Parts Of The Body As The Most Common Area Of Discomfort.
66% report Neck Pain as the most common area of Discomfort
44% report Shoulder Problems
33% to 62% (Different Studies) report pain/ discomfort in the Lower Back
34% report pain/ discomfort in the dominant hand/ wrist
27% report upper back issues
Other areas of exposure are Non Dominant Hand, hip, elbow, fore arm, ankle, veins

3. Predisposing Factors
The Risk factors That Are Commonly Encountered By Dental Hygeinists
Awkward Posture (To A Very Great Extent)
Repetition (To A Great Extent)
Vibration
Forceful Muscle Exertion
Contact Stress

4. Symptoms Of CTDs Seen In Dental Hygeinists
Pain in neck, upper or lower back, shoulders & upper arms
Tightness, pain, stiffness
Feel need to massage area
Pain/ numbness wakens
Hands/arms tingle/burn
Weakness in hands, forearms
Difficulty doing small tasks
Hands numb, cold
Difficulty opening/ closing, using hands

5. Potential Syndromes Highlighted
Several different CTDs have been found to occur among Dental Hygienists – Those associated with their neck, shoulders, lower back, hands, wrists and upper back.
One CTD in Particular has been Highlighted – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
11 % Of Dental Hygienists that have been studied have reported as been diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Ref. Pubmed.gov US National Library Of Medicine – 1996)

6. Prevention Methods Including Available Fixes
Using Magnification Systems significantly REDUCES NECK PAIN
Using Hydraulic Dental Beds allow for reducing the height of patient and thereby allowing the hygienist to work with NEUTRAL WRIST POSTURE
Using Sharp Instruments (eg: Sharpen Free Technology) requires less force and limits tight pinch grip
Using Cordless handpieces is advantageous to chorded handpieces as they are not exerting chord torque which reduces fatigue
Using Ultrathin Nitrile Gloves (Preferably with Ergonomic Certification) offer great tactile sensitivity. These gloves greatly reduce compression of delicate nerves and blood vessels
Providing Seating Options based on Sit/Stand positioning, and correctly sized saddles (that are correctly adjusted to their bodies) greatly REDUCE LOWER BACK PROBLEMS and venous problems in legs.

7. Suggestions
An approach that is now becoming more mainstream (not only in dental clinics but also Dental Colleges) is as given below. It is my suggestion that this needs to be widly adopted in the Dental Hygeine Industry
Dental Clinics must necessitate hygienists to purchase their own equipment and supplies (which is an investment in their long term health)
Some of these equipment/ supplies are listed below
Ultrasonic Scalers
Magnification Loupes
Chairs (to be ergonomically suited to their body)
Gloves
Masks

8. References
Anne Nugent Guignon, RDH, MPH, Receipient of 2009 ADHA Irene Newman Award
Journal Of Dental Hygiene Vol 88. No.1. Feb 2014
Dimensions Of Dental Hygiene, Oct 2003; 1(6): 32,34,37-38
Pubmed.gov US National Library Of Medicine