How to select ergonomic-focused equipment in the dental office.
When considering ergonomic dental products, chairs are often the first things that come to mind. While office chair design plays a huge role in ensuring musculoskeletal health, there are many other health and well-being considerations involved in good workplace ergonomics.
In general, ergonomics in the office centers around designing workspaces so that people and anything they use interact efficiently and safely. In a dental office, the risk factors of poor ergonomics include an increase in work-related injuries and accidents, reduced patient care quality, lower job satisfaction, and premature retirement from dentistry.
Good ergonomics can encompass everything from choosing the best lighting angles and patient positioning to selecting the right furniture and tools. When chosen wisely, ergonomically correct equipment can make the practitioner’s job easier and prevent or reduce pain, discomfort, injury, fatigue, and more. The result is a longer, happier career and better patient outcomes.
A best practice is to choose products that combine ergonomic designs with quality materials and innovative technologies. This article will investigate the latest in dental ergonomic products and evaluate how their form and function drive their effectiveness.
Multi-Function Suction Mirrors
Dental mirrors are ergonomically angled to give practitioners better visibility inside the patient’s mouth. They are essential to providing accurate diagnoses and high-quality care. Dental suction units are also essential in controlling aerosols, clearing debris, and removing excess saliva to provide a safe and clear operating field. When mirror and suction are combined in one tool, practitioners can provide more efficient and effective treatment for their patients.
Multi-function disposable suction mirrors are an ingenious combination of mirror and high-volume evacuator (HVE) suction, as well as retraction functions in one dental device. Studies have shown that HVE provides the best aerosol control. It can reduce as much as 90%-98% of aerosols, so this tool is both smart in form and highly effective in function. Additionally, the anti-fog mirror ensures maximum clarity of view while providing upper, lower, and surrounding suction. Made of recyclable materials, this device is disposable to ensure a sterile instrument every time.
Hands-Free Magnifiers
In the dental field, many posture problems stem from visual limitations, as practitioners must lean in and tilt their heads forward for a better view inside the patient’s mouth. Fortunately, there are wearable ergonomic tools that can magnify the work field, such as clip-on magnifying glasses.
Made for hands-free magnification, they help practitioners maintain a better posture by eliminating the need for leaning in and craning their necks for a better view of the work at hand. They also reduce eyestrain and ensure better patient care by enabling the user to focus on tiny details through both eyes, which eliminates distortion and provides a truer, more comfortable view. For ease of use, they clip onto any eyeglass frame, are lightweight, and adjustable to practitioner needs.
Adjustable Visor Shields
While visor shields are critical for infection control and ensuring the safety of both practitioner and patient, adjustable visor shields offer better ergonomics for comprehensive facial protection. They provide a personalized, secure fit and are quickly tightened and loosened with the touch of a button. Their high adjustability ensures comfort while minimizing coverage gaps and exposure to respiratory droplets and other contaminants during up-close interactions with patients.
Designed for non-interference with glasses, loupes, lights, and other accessories, the adjustable visor shields have a built-in tinted mini shield that minimizes overhead glare for better eye comfort. They also feature wide vents for improved air circulation and flexible arms to eliminate pressure points. Each visor shield order ships as a complete kit that contains 1 visor, 3 shields, 1 mini shield, and 1 light cure shield. They come in multiple colors, including mint green, black, blue, royal blue, and violet, so each practitioner can have their own dedicated, easily identifiable set.
Conclusion
The right ergonomic dental equipment can prevent practitioner fatigue and illness, extend career longevity and keep patients smiling. Whether choosing adjustable PPE items, visual aid devices, or cross-functional tools, it is best to look for products that combine ergonomic design with innovative technology and the right materials. Not only will this help optimize dental care, but it will also help practitioners thrive.
