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

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

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

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

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)

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.

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

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 - 1996