Ergonomics is a fundamental aspect of the workplace, with a significant impact on employee health. Dental professionals who spend large parts of the day in static and uncomfortable positions are at increased risk of serious physical strain.
As a dentist, you often find yourself working in awkward postures to access the oral cavity. You may spend long periods leaning forward or holding your arms in twisted positions. Movements that put harmful stress on the body. Ergonomics is about adapting the working environment and introducing ergonomic posture & habits to reduce this physical strain. For dental professionals, this means designing workspaces, tools and routines that support healthy posture. Even small adjustments can make a big difference. Dental loupes are a great example. By combining precision optics and smart ergonomics, Optergo’s dental loupes help you find a healthier working posture. Enabling you to see better and feel better.
Why detail work causes ergonomic issues
Many ergonomic problems in dentistry stem from the need to see fine detail. When you’re young, strong and have good eyesight, this rarely poses a problem. But as vision starts to deteriorate over time, it’s natural to lean closer to compensate. Before long, your neck and back begin to suffer.
“Ergonomics is more than just having a good pair of loupes. It’s about using optics that are set to a correct working distance based on the posture you want to achieve and placing those optics in the right position,” says Markus Pettersson, CEO at Optergo.
Common work-related injuries in dentistry
A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health found that up to 70% of dentists and dental nurses reported musculoskeletal issues – including chronic pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and other strain-related injuries. Over time, such conditions can lead to sick leave or even early retirement.
This isn’t just a personal burden for those affected. It also places an economic strain on employers and results in a loss of valuable resources for the wider healthcare system. What can you do to improve your ergonomic posture? Here are simple, effective tips:
- Use proper lighting to reduce the need to twist or bend your body to see clearly.
- Make sure your vision is supported. Optics and loupes are crucial – but even regular prescription glasses can be just as important.
- Incorporate movement and variation into your day. Stretching and light movement relieve muscle tension and improve circulation. Short, regular breaks for physical activity can work wonders.
- Choose loupes that are correctly adjusted for your working distance and posture. This significantly improves your viewing angle and reduces strain on the neck and back.
- Educate your team in ergonomic principles. Understanding how to maintain proper posture during work is critical. A rule of thumb: position the patient according to your needs. Not the other way around.
- Prioritise usability and ergonomics when choosing equipment. The right tools can further reduce the risk of injury.
Neglecting your ergonomics will, sooner or later, affect your patients. When dental professionals struggle to work due to pain or discomfort, quality of care suffers. But it’s not just about avoiding injury or absenteeism, it’s about creating a sustainable workplace where professionals can thrive and develop. A well-designed environment boosts job satisfaction and productivity. Ultimately improving care and creating long-term value for your clinic.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you improve your ergonomic setup. Book a meeting with us.
