If you are a dentist, surgeon, or medical professional engaged in tasks that demand intense focus and concentration for extended periods, you may have experienced physical discomfort, such as a strained back, craned neck, or stiff fingers.

Numerous studies have consistently shown that a significant proportion of dentists, ranging from 33% to 87%, suffer from musculoskeletal pain and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in their back, neck, and shoulders.1,2  

These distressing disorders can be attributed to prolonged periods of sitting, standing, or leaning over patients and repetitive motions like twisting or turning the head. 

This emphasises the importance of prioritising ergonomics in the workplace for oral health professionals.

Consequences of Poor Dental Ergonomics

Dental ergonomics is about balancing promoting the dentist’s health and ensuring efficient treatment. It enables the dentist to adopt a more natural and comfortable posture, preventing musculoskeletal problems and improving treatment efficiency, accuracy, and patient comfort. In essence, prioritising dental ergonomics benefits the dentist and the patient.

According to a study published in the International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry (IJCPD)3, dentists can spend up to 60,000 hours in a lifetime working in tense and distorted positions, leading to musculoskeletal problems.

Implementing a proper ergonomics plan in dentistry can help avoid risk factors to your health while delivering higher-quality care.

Poor dental ergonomics may result in many different consequences, some of which include:

Chronic pain, Anxiety and Depression

While musculoskeletal pain is common in adults as they age, dentists are at a significantly higher risk for these disorders. A 2015 American Dental Association survey revealed that two-thirds of responding dentists reported low back and neck pain.4 

Bending over your patients to provide dental treatment “often leads to an unnatural, harmful posture that negatively impacts the dentist’s health,” says the FDI World Dental Federation.

The consequences of these injuries can be significant for the dentist and their patients. 

Dentists who have musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) may experience chronic pain. It can be debilitating and impact their ability to perform specific procedures or concentrate on their work. 

Additionally, chronic pain can lead to depression and anxiety, which can further impact their overall health and well-being.

Reduced Productivity and Hidden Costs

The pain comes at a cost. According to a 2018 literature review5, musculoskeletal diseases and pain pose a significant health burden for dental professionals. MSDs can limit a dentist’s ability to perform certain procedures and, in the worst-case scenario, lead to career-ending injuries. Additionally, the medical expenses involved in treating such injuries can be significant.

Dentists who suffer from pain or discomfort may miss workdays or have reduced productivity, resulting in lost income and decreased patient satisfaction. 

It might come as a shock that a 2014 study³ in the International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry (IJCPD) listed musculoskeletal disorders as the top early career ender for dentists, accounting for 29.5% of the cases.

Compromised Patient Care

The importance of dentists’ physical health on patient care cannot be ignored.

If dental professionals suffer from chronic pain or discomfort, they may not be able to deliver quality care to their patients. It may also restrict their ability to perform specific procedures effectively. In addition, the discomfort or pain experienced by dentists can negatively impact their concentration and focus, leading to errors and mistakes in their work.

Benefits of Ergonomic Dental Loupes

Ergonomic dental loupes offer a practical solution to combat eye strain and promote healthier practices for dental professionals. These specialised magnification devices are custom-made to suit your specific visual requirements and working posture, making them an indispensable tool for enhancing your practice.

As a company focusing on integrative and functional dentistry and optimal wellness, we are delighted to share that Progressive Practice is Singapore’s official distributor for Admetec ergonomic loupes. 

Here are some advantages of Admetec’s Ergo loupes and why you should seriously consider them for your dental practice:

• Personalised Comfort: Admetec’s Ergo Series loupes are meticulously tailored to suit the unique needs of each wearer. Through a multi-factor process, these loupes offer an exceptional combination of magnification potential and user comfort, ensuring a perfect fit for every dental professional.
• Better posture: Admetec Ergo loupes encourage holding the head in a neutral position during clinical work. The ergonomic design of these loupes promotes better posture, reducing the risk of neck, back, and shoulder pain.

 

• Reduced eye strain and precision vision: With the improved visualisation provided by these loupes, users can avoid squinting or straining their eyes, reducing eye fatigue and discomfort. This allows professionals to work for extended periods without experiencing the eye strain typically associated with intensive focus.
• Improved work efficiency: Ergo Series loupes are designed to minimise physical discomfort, allowing dental professionals to maintain their focus and concentration. By reducing physical strain and distractions, these loupes elevate precision, leading to exceptional patient care and treatment outcomes, and enhanced overall productivity.
• Extensive Magnification Options: The Ergo Series presents an extensive range of six different levels of magnification: 3x, 4x, 5x, 6x, 7.5x, and an extraordinary 10x. Notably, the 10x model is the world’s only ergonomic loupe offering such a high level of magnification. This diverse selection empowers dental professionals to select the perfect fit for their specific needs, ensuring unparalleled precision and clarity during procedures.
• Better patient care: With Admetec’s Ergo Series loupes, dental professionals can achieve unparalleled performance. The combination of customised comfort, precision vision, and diverse magnification levels makes these loupes the best choice for enhancing your dental expertise and providing exceptional patient care.

If you’re interested in discovering more about Admetec ergonomic loupes in Singapore, feel free to contact us at Progressive Practice via email at team@progressivepractice.asia  or reach out to us on WhatsApp at (+65) 80660720. We’d happily arrange a personalised consultation and fitting session that caters to your specific preferences.

References:

1. Marshall ED, Duncombe LM, Robinson RQ, Kilbreath SL. Musculoskeletal symptoms in New South Wales dentists. Aust Dent J. 1997;42:240–246.
2. Ohlendorf D, Naser A, Hass Y, et al. Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among dentists and dental students in Germany. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17:8740.
3. Gupta A, Bhat M, Mohammed T, Bansal N, Gupta G. Ergonomics in dentistry. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2014 Jan;7(1):30-4. doi: 10.5005/jp-journals-10005-1229. Epub 2014 Apr 26. PMID: 25206234; PMCID: PMC4144062. 
4. OSHA Review, “ADA Survey: Ergonomic Risks in Dentistry,” https://oshareview.com/2018/01/ada-survey-ergonomic-risks-in-dentistry/ 
5. AAOMS Today, May–June 2021 (19:3), pp. 8–17, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

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