Ergonomics

Depending on which study you read between 50% and 80% of dentists suffer from back problems, neck problems or shoulder problems. Or sometimes all three.You would think that would make ergonomics a vital issue to dentists but you would be wrong. Most dental offices I have seen are understaffed or poorly laid out or both.

• Understaffing means that dentists have to constantly get things out of drawers instead of having things come to them.
• Poor lay out means that sometimes needed items are in awkward places such as low drawers or even 180 degrees behind the dentist.

The net effect of these two things is that dentists wind up at the end of their work day with sore backs and tired eyes from the constant twisting, reaching and refocussing.Have a good look at your work layout and see what you can do to make it easier for yourself. I discuss this in my seminar The Art of Efficient Dentistry.