Dental ergonomics: Basic steps to enhance work efficiency

Abstract

The nature of the dental profession and the postures assumed by the dental surgeons during their professional work has a huge impact on the dental surgeon′s body and carries with it a high risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). To perform efficiently and effectively, they shall always like to attain a position that allows them to achieve optimum access, visibility, comfort, and control at all times. Good ergonomic design of the workplace is a basic requirement for facilitating the balanced musculoskeletal health that will enable longer, healthier career, enhance productivity, and minimize MSDs among dental surgeons. While treating the patients, they are concerned about patients′ comfort and pay little attention to their own health till they begin to experience discomfort in their body. With a little attention and creativity, dental surgeons can improve their comfort on the job during the course of their career.

Keywords

• Dental surgeon
• dentistry
• ergonomics
• musculoskeletal disorders
• neutral position
• risk factors
• static postures
• work efficiency
• workplace