It feels like yesterday being in the simulation lab where professors told you what you get use to now will be how you practice in the future. I vividly remember saying to myself, “This is just for the exam, I won’t work like this on a patient in the future.” However, they were right! Dentistry is one of the hardest professions on your body, and you need to be consciously aware of your body all the time to preserve it.
Working to maximize efficiency at work may reduce the likelihood of musculoskeletal disorders and increase the quality of your daily life. For me the game changers are the operator stool and patient positioning, as well as what you do after you leave the office.
My ergodynamic operator stool is what I have enjoyed the most. It allows me to automatically sit in perfect posture as well as tilt forward without effecting my posture. This stool rolls close to the patient and allows me to angle the patient chair to be able to work efficiently.
The proper chair position according to the area you are working on in the mouth reduces the chances of causing musculoskeletal disorders. The dentist should sit as close to the patient as possible in a neutral position. A wide base where your feet are at least shoulder width apart and in front of your hips while straddling the headrest allows the dentist to see better and minimize bending. The patient position depends on which area of the mouth you are working on. For the mandibular arch you should have the patient slightly raised above the parallel position with their chin slightly down. For the maxillary arch it is better to be in the supine position. In both cases the patient’s nose should be below the dentist’s waist to minimize shoulder and neck strain. It is important to make sure the patient is comfortable in the dental chair, because when they are relaxed they will have less muscular tension and be more cooperative to work on.
A great idea is to do some simple stretches between patients, as they can make the world of a difference. At the end of the day decompressing, stretching, and working out help to maintain your body in tip top shape. If your core muscles are strong, you can maintain better posture. Workouts such as Yoga and Pilates are great to tone muscles while stretching at the same time. Stretching allows your body to stay agile and recover from a long day at the office.
As dental professionals we should be conscientious in ergonomics and body positioning throughout the day. Remember, how you practice daily will reflect how your body feels years down the road.