INNER ERGONOMICS & WELLBEING IN DENTISTRY

Most dental schools don’t train students how to bend over patients without compromising their neck, back and shoulders. Consequently, most clinicians bend and twist in harmful ways for long periods.

Poor work postures - prolonged forward and downwardly directed, unilaterally collapsed - lead to musculoskeletal disorders. Many practitioners have become accustomed to chronic pain and discomfort, believing it is the price to be paid for being a dental professional.

Most clinicians were not trained how to deal with the fearful human beings attached to the teeth they treat, who often cover up their fear and anxiety with a prickly outer mask, which can be taken personally and interpreted as hostility and lack of appreciation. This can lead to high levels of stress and burn out.

Worldwide research shows an alarming incidence of musculoskeletal disorders and stress in the dental profession.

Chronic pain and stress impact on career longevity, productivity and quality of life, forcing many practitioners to reduce work hours and to contemplate a career change or early retirement. 

HOW CAN YOU REDUCE THE RISK OF OCCUPATIONAL CHRONIC PAIN?

There are fundamental biomechanical design principles governing movement and posture; some joints are designed for prolonged bending, while others are not. Unfortunately we are not provided with a “User Guide” at birth.

Dental ergonomic research and design have focused on the equipment and surgery layout, the Outer Ergonomics, overlooking the importance of the operator’s efficiency in posture and movement, the Inner Ergonomics.

OVERVIEW

Fundamental Inner Ergonomics

Cumulative Trauma in the clinic and daily life - why there is an alarming incidence of occupational pain

The importance of correct magnification loupes

Inner Ergonomics 101 - what dental practitioners need to know about their bio-mechanical design

Postural Awareness - recognition of harmful postural habits

Habit change

• the power of habit

• how to change harmful postural habits in the clinic

  and daily life

Stress reduction

• early recognition of stress signs

• dealing with time pressure

• Calming techniques for patients and clinicians’ self-care

Steps to optimal musculoskeletal health & wellness

Practical Application of Inner Ergonomic Principles

Practical demonstrations in a clinical setting, individual kinaesthetic guidance and practise of applied Inner Ergonomics in simulated treatment on a manikin, with special focus on:

1. Gaining access for treatment by organising yourself from the inside out

2. Various treatment procedures with instruments you are invited to bring, including forceps

3. Reducing wrist, arm and shoulder strain during extractions, in sitting and standing

4. Postural awareness during treatment - learning to become mindful of yourself in daily life and in the clinic

5. Changing harmful habitual work postures

Participants are invited to bring their magnification loupes to be evaluated from an ergonomic perspective

Restoration & Self-Care with Active Rest

Demonstration and experiential training in how to decompress the spine and release tight muscles and joints at work and home

WORKSHOP DETAILS

Melbourne

2024 Workshops TBA

Brisbane

Thursday 31 October & Friday 1 November 2024
10 am - 4 pm both days

Henry Schein
8 Gardner Close, Milton, Brisbane QLD

FEES

2 Day Practical Workshop
Includes lunch and refreshments

Brisbane

- Dentists $1950 + GST
- Dental Hygienists & Oral Health Therapists $1750 + GST

Brisbane Workshop limited to 12 Participants

TRAINERS

Dr Anikó Ball and her assistant trainers provide participants with individual kinaesthetic guidance for optimal work postures and movement in the practical training sessions.