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Neck, Back & Beyond: Preventing Pain with Evidence-Based Dental Ergonomics Part 1

Friday, June 16, 2023
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM PST
Location: Room 4C3-C4
CE Credits: 1.5
Primary Audience(s): Dental Team

Did you know that one-third of dentists who retire early are forced to, due to a musculoskeletal disorder? The financial impact of poor ergonomics can be devastating to dental professionals, and resultant injuries can impair quality of life for you and your staff.

Pain is not a necessary by-product of delivering dental care! The first step in preventing work-related pain in dentistry requires correcting ergonomics in your operatory. In this 2-part lecture, Dr. Valachi combines 20 years of dental ergonomic experience with her doctorate research to teach truly effective strategies in the operatory to prevent pain and ensure career longevity. Through engaging demonstrations, you will discover powerful evidence-based strategies you can easily apply in the operatory.

Part 1: Low back pain, dental stool and patient chair selection and adjustment, patient and operator positioning, delivery systems and the newest ergonomic equipment. Part 2: Neck and shoulder pain, dental loupes/lighting, and assistant ergonomics.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the etiology of work-related pain in dentistry to make health-wise choices in the operatory and at home.
  • Identify and implement appropriate ergonomic interventions for chronic back pain.
  • Properly select and adjust delivery systems, stools and chairs depending on operator size and job-type.
  • Make ergonomic modifications in the operatory with minimal expense.
  • Discover the newest guidelines for positioning patient, headrest and light to treat various arches and quadrants.
  • Discover how certain movement patterns in the operatory can cause shoulder & spine dysfunction