scholarly journals A standardized protocol for the comprehensive assessment of dental hygiene work

Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Shawn C. Roll ◽  
Mark E. Hardison ◽  
Jane L. Forrest ◽  
Nikki L. Colclazier ◽  
Joyce Y. Sumi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dental Hygiene ◽  
Dental Hygienists ◽  
Engineering Controls ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Coding Scheme ◽  
Video Acquisition ◽  
Standardized Protocol ◽  
Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Observation Protocol

BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent in dental hygienists. Although engineering controls and ergonomic training is available, it is unclear why this intransigent problem continues. One possible barrier is that a comprehensive, standardized protocol for evaluating dental hygiene work does not exist. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to generate a valid and reliable observational protocol for the assessment of dental hygiene work. METHODS: An iterative process was used to establish and refine an ecologically valid video acquisition and observation protocol to assess key activities, tasks, and performance components of dental hygiene work. RESULTS: Good inter-rater reliability was achieved across all variables when the final coding scheme was completed by three independent raters. CONCLUSIONS: This work provides an exemplar of the process required to generate a comprehensive protocol for evaluating the work components of a particular job, and provides standardized nomenclature for use by scientists and practitioners interested in understanding and addressing the pervasive issue of work-related disorders in dental hygienists.

scholarly journals Effect of Using an 8-Figure Shoulder Brace on Posture and Muscle Activities during the Performance of Dental Hygiene Procedures

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (22) ◽  
pp. 8494
Author(s):  
Tae-Lim Yoon ◽  
Ji-Hyun Min ◽  
Han-Na Kim
Keyword(s):  
Dental Hygiene ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Dental Hygienists ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
Shoulder Joints ◽  
Scaling Procedure ◽  
Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Lumbar Extension ◽  
Shoulder Brace

The incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among dental workers has been increasing. Many ergonomic devices and accessories have been introduced. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an 8-figure shoulder brace on posture-related muscle activities in dental hygiene practitioners during scaling procedures. In this study, 33 participants (age: 21.9 ± 2.1 years, height: 162.0 ± 6.0 cm, weight: 55.8 ± 9.0 kg, body mass index: 21.2 ± 2.4 kg/m2) performed the scaling procedure with and without the 8-figure shoulder brace in a randomized order. The normalized electromyography activity in the amplitude probability distribution function and joint angles (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and shoulder joints) were simultaneously recorded during scaling. A paired t test was used to compare the differences in muscle kinematics, with the alpha level set at 0.05. The dental hygienists who wore the 8-figure shoulder brace during scaling showed thoracic and lumbar extension, improved sitting postures, and reduced shoulder joint abduction. However, we also observed an unintended increase in internal rotation. Use of the 8-figure shoulder brace could prevent work-related MSDs in lumbar and thoracic regions by reducing the effort exerted by the upper trapezius and deltoid muscles, despite the increased muscular effort of the cervical erector spinae.

scholarly journals An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure: Ergonomics in Dental Practice

2015 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-42
Author(s):  
Praveenkumar Ramdurg ◽  
Vijaylaxmi Mendigeri ◽  
Surekha Puranik
Keyword(s):  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Dental Practice ◽  
Dental Hygienists ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Repetitive Strain Injuries ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Repetitive Strain ◽  
Set Up

ABSTRACT Dentists and dental hygienists are at risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders compared to the general population. The most frequent injuries occur in the spine (neck and back), shoulders, elbows and hands. While specific procedures place the clinician at increased risk for finger and hand injuries, poor posture is a risk factor with all procedures. Sitting in an appropriate chair, using magnification for visualization, and the selection of ergonomically-friendly equipment are essential for the health of dental clinicians. Ergonomics is the science of designing jobs, equipment and workplaces to fit workers. Proper ergonomics design is necessary to prevent repetitive strain injuries, which can develop over time and can lead to long term disability. This article includes musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and the signs, symptoms and risk factors of these types of injuries, so that one can be aware of developing problems and can change his /her approach to work or alter the workstation setup to prevent further injury. The article discusses the applications of ergonomics in dental clinic set up and offers different exercises to work with comfort, efficiency and ease. How to cite this article Ramdurg P, Mendigeri V, Puranik S. An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure: Ergonomics in Dental Practice. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2015;49(1):37-42.

scholarly journals Posturedontics: Reducing the Stress in Dentistry

2012 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 335-339 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sulekha S Gosavi ◽  
Siddharth Y Gosavi ◽  
Rashmi S Jawade
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Dental Hygienists ◽  
Work Related ◽  
The Past ◽  
Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Dental Profession ◽  
Supporting Structures

ABSTRACT In the dental profession, dentists and dental hygienists spend their work days in an awkward, static position performing extremely precise procedures in a 2” × 2½” workspace—the patient's mouth. However, maintaining the steady hand and posture comes at a cost to the back, neck and shoulder area of the dentist. The occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in oral health care professionals has been documented over the past 10 years. A WMSD can be defined as a condition wherein work-related tasks affect the nerves, tendons, muscles and supporting structures. Conditions can vary from mild recurrent symptoms to severe and incapacitating. This article discussed about the prevalence of occurrence on musculoskeletal disorders in dental personae and its prevention. How to cite this article Gosavi SS, Gosavi SY, Jawade RS. Posturedontics: Reducing the Stress in Dentistry. World J Dent 2012;3(4):335-339.

scholarly journals Ergonomics in Dentistry-designing your Work

2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 45
Author(s):  
Sowmya Pendyala ◽  
P. Karunakar
Keyword(s):  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Medical Profession ◽  
Dental Hygienists ◽  
Ergonomic Design ◽  
Work Related ◽  
The People ◽  
Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Overall Performance ◽  
Dental Assistants

In recent years, there is a reported increase in the number of people suffering from work related musculoskeletal disorders; though all the people related to medical profession are included, there has been an increase incidence in dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants. Maintaining one's own health is important for overall performance and understanding the principles of ergonomics helps to achieve this goal. Ergonomics is the science of designing jobs, equipments and workplaces to fit workers. Proper ergonomic design is necessary to prevent work related musculoskeletal disorders and the conditions which might lead to it, thereby increasing the performance of the dentist.

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