Study: Ergonomic Loupes Reduce Dentists’ Neck and Back Pain
As a dental professional, you know that working in a physically demanding position can take a toll on your body. The long hours spent hunched over patients can result in chronic pain, which can impact not only your work but also your overall quality of life.
However, recent research has shed light on a simple solution to this nagging problem: Ergonomic loupes.
These custom-fitted magnification tools have been shown to reduce the physical strain experienced by dental professionals, allowing them to focus on their craft while maintaining their health and well-being.
The Prevalence of Back and Neck Strain in Dentistry
Dentistry is a highly specialised profession that demands precision and attention to detail. Dental practitioners often spend hours in fixed positions, leaning over patients to perform delicate procedures. Unfortunately, this can negatively impact their musculoskeletal health, resulting in persistent back and neck pain.
Studies have shown that 33% to 87% of dentists suffer from musculoskeletal pain and/or musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in their back, neck, and shoulders.
Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, or bending over patients and repeated activities such as twisting or turning the head can all contribute to these disorders.
Over time, these physical issues can impair productivity and even compel some practitioners to leave the profession prematurely. A 2014 study 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.
Recognising the importance of this issue, researchers and dental professionals have investigated strategies to reduce the strain and discomfort they endure at work. Among the different advancements, ergonomic loupes have emerged as a promising tool for addressing these challenges.
Understanding Ergonomic Loupes
Ergonomic loupes are magnification devices that are customised to meet the specific needs of dental practitioners.
These loupes offer adjustable features, including lens strength, focusing distance, magnification levels, and declination angle. Dental professionals can achieve a more natural and comfortable working posture by tailoring the loupes to the individual’s unique ergonomic requirements.
Studies on Ergonomic Loupes
Several studies have explored the impact of ergonomic loupes on reducing back and neck strain for dental professionals. Notably, a preliminary study conducted by Admetec, a renowned manufacturer of dental loupes, in collaboration with Maria Grazia Piancino, Associate Professor at the University of Turin-Italy, C.I.R. Dental School, Department of Surgical Sciences, has revealed promising results. This research was sparked by Professor Piancino’s observation of a colleague wearing Admetec’s Ergo loupes, which appeared to reduce ergonomic strain.
Recognising the potential implications of ergonomic strain on the long-term health of dental professionals, Professor Piancino shared her insights:
“In the short term, asymmetrical muscle activation can cause pain and discomfort. Over the long term, the result can be cumulative damage like repetitive strain injury (RSI) or musculoskeletal disorders (MSD).
“Because the neurological and muscular systems are so intimately connected, as clearly demonstrated by recent research, imbalanced straining negatively affects not only the physical well-being of doctors but also their ability to focus and perform their best work.
“Discovering that these common injuries might be avoidable would be highly significant for dentists and other medical professionals.”
As part of their preliminary research, Professor Piancino and her students conducted a comparative study on the stress experienced by eight symmetrical back muscles of dental professionals using Admetec’s Ergo loupes and through-the-lens (TTL) loupes. The results unveiled compelling evidence in favour of ergonomic loupes.
Dental practitioners using Admetec’s Ergo loupes exhibited a more symmetrical use of their muscles, leading to a substantial reduction in muscular peaks and, consequently, less stress in the back and neck.
Conversely, those using TTL loupes demonstrated higher stress levels and asymmetrical muscle activation.
Benefits of Ergonomic Loupes
The advantages of ergonomic loupes extend beyond alleviating physical strain.
Dental professionals who adopt these specialised magnification devices often experience enhanced vision and improved posture, reducing the risk of long-term musculoskeletal issues.
The enhanced visualisation enabled by the loupes allows for better detection of dental problems, leading to more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.
Furthermore, ergonomic loupes contribute to heightened professionalism and confidence among dental practitioners. As they are better able to perform intricate procedures with improved precision, dental professionals can focus on providing optimal patient care and achieve greater success in their practice.
Buy Ergonomic Dental Loupes in Singapore
As the dental industry continues to evolve, embracing innovations like ergonomic loupes benefits the practitioners and enhance the overall patient experience.
We are thrilled to announce that Progressive Practice is Singapore’s official distributor for Admetec ergonomic loupes.
Five Reasons Why Admetec’s Ergo Series is the Best Choice:
- Tailored to suit each wearer through a meticulous multi-factor process, Admetec’s Ergo Series of loupes offers an unparalleled combination of magnification potential and user comfort.
- The Ergo Series stands out with its precision vision and remarkably lightweight design, allowing healthcare practitioners to work more comfortably and efficiently even during extended periods.
- These ergonomic loupes maximise concentration by minimising physical discomfort, leading to heightened precision and exceptional patient care.
- The Ergo Series is available in an extensive range of six different levels of magnification: 3x, 4x, 5x, 6x, 7.5x, and an extraordinary 10x—the world’s only ergonomic loupe offering such a high level of magnification.
- This diverse selection ensures that dental professionals can choose the perfect fit for their specific needs, allowing for unparalleled precision and clarity during procedures.
If you are interested in experiencing the benefits of Admetec’s Ergo Series loupes for yourself, we invite you to get in touch with us.
To learn more about Admetec ergonomic loupes in Singapore, simply drop us an email at team@progressivepractice.asia or reach out to us via WhatsApp at (+65) 80660720, and we will be delighted to arrange a consultation and fitting session tailored to your preferences.
