They say a good worker never blames their tools, but what if the tools are not good for the worker? Chronic back pain now afflicts over 2.8 million adults in the UK, resulting in 31 million workdays being lost due to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).[i] As the country’s workplace becomes increasingly remote and computer-based, the epidemic of back-related pains grows, with 80% of cases caused by poor posture.[ii]
Like all professions, dentistry has its occupational hazards. From exposure to radiation to high levels of stress, dentists have a host of variables to control in their daily work.[iii] Dentists are susceptible to MSDs, with neck, wrist and lower back pain manifesting itself in conspicuously high numbers, leading to low productivity and time off work.[iv] MSDs can develop from inadequate dental equipment; having the best technology available is crucial for maintaining a low-risk workplace and keeping yourself and your associate dentists in good physical health.
Practitioner posture and practitioner pain
Treating patients for long periods of time may involve the persistent bending of the body and the constant craning of the head. The subsequently overstressed spine and peripheral nervous system causes tightening of the neck and back muscles, leading to a notable, sometimes painful, ache for the practitioner and a risk of developing MSDs.[v]
Despite the small number of dental posture analyses, one study ascertained that the extraction of the left and right lower jaw teeth, the extraction of the right upper jaw teeth, and restorative procedures on the upper teeth all exacerbated poor posture, putting dentists at the greatest risk while performing these treatments.[vi]
The stooped position in which standing or sitting dentists deliver lengthy procedures from can be offset through stretching and maintaining an upright posture whenever possible, but it is also important to evaluate the equipment being used.[vii]
Seeing the solution
Inadequate illumination is linked to MSDs and is an overlooked factor that the practitioner can control.[viii]Studies have shown that undergraduate students who had good illumination had a low risk of developing MSDs, as well as eye strain and fatigue.[ix] By obtaining brighter operative lighting, practitioners will not need to strain their necks as much and can mitigate the chance of developing muscle problems.[x]
In conjunction with better lighting is the use of dental loupes. It is commonly perceived that loupes exclusively aid vision, yet they are also an instrument to improve practitioner posture and working positions, removing the need for the practitioner to lean forward as much.[xi]
Cool stools
Sitting on a stool for extended periods of time is part of the job, but dentists are more likely to report severe back pain if they do not alternate between sitting and standing.[xii] This is because the type of stool used influences lumbar posture.[xiii] Finding a supportive dental stool is therefore of paramount interest for the workplace, particularly for new dentists at the start of their career with years of sitting ahead.
Rather than hunching beside a patient, using the latest ergonomically designed dental stool will promote clinician comfort by supporting the natural curve of the back.[xiv] Saddle stools, in particular, are gaining traction in the profession because they open up the angle between thigh and torso, distributing weight evenly and reducing pressure on the spine.[xv] However, it is still up to the practitioner to maintain an upright posture when working, and an ergonomic stool is more assistive rather than demonstratively alleviative.[xvi] Still, selecting an ergonomic stool that supports the spine should be used to prevent MSDs.[xvii]
Dental chair care
With the practitioner sitting on a more supportive stool, the patient should be in an equally supportive dental chair, not just for their own satisfaction and comfort but for the practitioner’s too.[xviii] A cutting-edge ergonomic dental chair provides practitioners with the adjustable positioning range needed to undertake long procedures that do not stress the spine and neck.[xix]
Leading suppliers provide the latest in ergonomic dental chairs, stools and operating lights alongside efficient installation and regular servicing and support. With 50 years of experience in dentistry, RPA Dental optimises ergonomics in everything from the dental chair to the surgery layout, providing an extensive service from design to instillation and long-term maintenance. Their response time guarantee is nationwide, mobilising a first-class technical team that will support your practice by providing exceptional customer service. Offering premium brands like Stern Weber, Castellini, and Kavo, RPA Dental’s holistic focus with clients ensures that a practice can achieve its maximum potential.
With 60% of dentists reporting lower back pain each year, procuring the latest equipment from a dependable supplier will lower the risk of MSDs and improve the productivity, and therefore success, of your practice.[xx] It is time for new tools.
For more detail about the solutions and services available from RPA Dental, please visit www.dental-equipment.co.uk, call 08000 933 975 or email info@rpadental.net
Adam Shaw Bio
My name is Adam Shaw, and I am the sales Director here at RPA Dental ltd. Married to my wife Michelle and with two teenage boys, weekends are mostly taken up with their sporting activities and social diaries.
Having started life as an apprentice engineer with RPA Dental some 24 years ago, I have seen the Dental industry change and evolve considerably since first starting with the company.
At 16, working as an engineer I attended college one day a week and after a four-year period completed my qualification in electrical and mechanical engineering. From here I spent 5 years in the service department until gaining promotion to a senior status, responsible for managing the team, running my own installation projects and keeping quality levels to a high standard.
Coming from technical background allowed me to understand the equipment specifications and fundamental surgery requirements in its entirety and offered the base line on which to move over to my commercial role in 2011.
Our emphasis has always been on service and support to our clients, and this has continued with our holistic approach to designing surgeries and assisting in an optimum workflow with our valued customers.
My role within the business now is to offer our clients the help and support required on various levels dependant on their individual needs, whilst working with our manufacturing partners to ensure our portfolio brings a complete and extensive offering.
[i] Anon, (2023). How common is back pain in the UK? – Blackberry Clinic. [online] Available at: https://www.blackberryclinic.co.uk/articles/how-common-is-back-pain-in-the-uk [Accessed 16 May 2024].
[ii] Mitchell, L. (2024). Work-Related Back Pain – A Remote Working Issue? | workingwise. [online] workingwise.co.uk. Available at: https://www.workingwise.co.uk/back-pain/ [Accessed 16 May 2024].
Dentistry. (2023). Treat and prevent posture-related pain with a new training device for dentists and hygienists. [online] Available at: https://dentistry.co.uk/2023/04/19/treat-and-prevent-posture-related-pain-with-a-new-training-device-for-dentists-and-hygienists/[Accessed 15 May 2024].
[iii] Moodley, R., Naidoo, S. and van Wyk, J. (2018). The prevalence of occupational health-related problems in dentistry: A review of the literature. Journal of Occupational Health, [online] 60(2), pp.111–125. doi:https://doi.org/10.1539/joh.17-0188-RA.
[iv] Moodley, R., Naidoo, S. and van Wyk, J. (2018). The prevalence of occupational health-related problems in dentistry: A review of the literature. Journal of Occupational Health, [online] 60(2), pp.111–125. doi:https://doi.org/10.1539/joh.17-0188-RA.
de Santana Sampaio Castilho, A.V., Michel Crosato, E., de Carvalho Sales-Peres, S.H., Foratori Junior, G.A., de Freitas Aznar, A.R., Buchaim, R.L., Buchaim, D.V., Nogueira, D.M.B., de Souza Bastos Mazuqueli Pereira, E., Paschoarelli, L.C. and Orenha, E.S. (2021). Effectiveness of Ergonomic Training to Decrease Awkward Postures during Dental Scaling Procedures: A Randomized Clinical Trial. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, [online] 18(21), p.11217. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111217.
[v] Katano, K., Nakajima, K., Saito, M., Kawano, Y., Takeda, T. and Fukuda, K. (2021). Effects of Line of Vision on Posture, Muscle Activity and Sitting Balance During Tooth Preparation. International Dental Journal, [online] 71(5), pp.399–406. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.identj.2020.12.025.
[vi] Moodley, R., Naidoo, S. and van Wyk, J. (2018). The prevalence of occupational health-related problems in dentistry: A review of the literature. Journal of Occupational Health, [online] 60(2), pp.111–125. doi:https://doi.org/10.1539/joh.17-0188-RA.
[vii] Dentistry. (2023). Treat and prevent posture-related pain with a new training device for dentists and hygienists. [online] Available at: https://dentistry.co.uk/2023/04/19/treat-and-prevent-posture-related-pain-with-a-new-training-device-for-dentists-and-hygienists/[Accessed 15 May 2024].
[viii] Admin, O. (2022). Occupational Hazards in Dentistry | VODEX Ltd. [online] Vodex. Available at: https://www.vodex.co.uk/blog/occupational-hazards-in-dentistry/.
[ix] Alamri, A., ElSharkawy, M.F. and Alafandi, D. (2022). Occupational Physical Hazards and Safety Practices at Dental Clinics. European Journal of Dentistry. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0042-1745769.
[x] Admin, O. (2022). Occupational Hazards in Dentistry | VODEX Ltd. [online] Vodex. Available at: https://www.vodex.co.uk/blog/occupational-hazards-in-dentistry/.
[xi] blog.optident.co.uk. (n.d.). How Can Dental Loupes Improve Posture? [online] Available at: https://blog.optident.co.uk/how-dental-loupes-improve-posture [Accessed 16 May 2024].
[xii] Huppert, F., Betz, W., Maurer-Grubinger, C., Holzgreve, F., Fraeulin, L., Filmann, N., Groneberg, D.A. and Ohlendorf, D. (2021). Influence of design of dentist’s chairs on body posture for dentists with different working experience. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 22(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-021-04334-1.
[xiii] De Bruyne, M.A.A., Danneels, L., Braet, V., Van De Sijpe, E., Vanwijnsberghe, M., Verhenne, L. and Willems, T. (2021). Do stool types have an influence on cervicothoracic muscle activity and cervicothoracic posture among dentists/dental students? Applied Ergonomics, 97, p.103519. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2021.103519.
[xiv] Anon, (n.d.). The Benefits Of Using Saddle Chairs In Dental Practices – Crown Seating Dental Stool For Every Dental Practice. [online] Available at: https://www.crownseating.com/the-benefits-of-using-saddle-chairs-in-dental-practices/ [Accessed 16 May 2024].
[xv] Anon, (n.d.). The Benefits Of Using Saddle Chairs In Dental Practices – Crown Seating Dental Stool For Every Dental Practice. [online] Available at: https://www.crownseating.com/the-benefits-of-using-saddle-chairs-in-dental-practices/ [Accessed 16 May 2024].
[xvi] De Bruyne, M.A.A., Danneels, L., Braet, V., Van De Sijpe, E., Vanwijnsberghe, M., Verhenne, L. and Willems, T. (2021). Do stool types have an influence on cervicothoracic muscle activity and cervicothoracic posture among dentists/dental students? Applied Ergonomics, 97, p.103519. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2021.103519.
[xvii] Lee, J.-M., Son, K., Kim, J.-W., Jin, M.-U. and Lee, K.-B. (2023). Does an ergonomic dentist stool design have a positive impact on musculoskeletal health during intraoral scans and tooth preparation? The International Journal of Prosthodontics, [online] 0(0), pp.1–16. doi:https://doi.org/10.11607/ijp.8672.
[xviii] MES. (2023). The Importance Of Ergonomics In Dental Chairs. [online] Available at: https://www.mesaustralia.com.au/blogs/news/ergonomics-in-dental-chairs#:~:text=An%20ergonomic%20dental%20chair%20helps [Accessed 16 May 2024].
[xix] MES. (2023). The Importance Of Ergonomics In Dental Chairs. [online] Available at: https://www.mesaustralia.com.au/blogs/news/ergonomics-in-dental-chairs [Accessed 16 May 2024].
[xx] Dental, P. (2022). Ergonomic dental chairs and stools: Key features for pain-free dentistry. [online] Off the Cusp. Available at: https://www.offthecusp.com/ergonomic-dental-chairs-and-stools-key-features-for-pain-free-dentistry/.
