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.
High-Clarity Mirrors with Ergonomic Handles
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.When mirror handles have the added feature of an ergonomic grip and extra antimicrobial protection, practitioners can provide safer and more efficient treatment to their patients.
Available in neon green and neon purple for quick identification, ergo-grip mirror handles are lightweight and feature a cone socket for easy insertion of mirror heads, such as crystal HD stainless steel mirror heads. Practitioners can enjoy reduced eyestrain when using these mirrors, which provide 40% more clarity and brightness than rhodium and offer optimum scratch and wear resistance. Color coding the mirror heads and handles with a neon ID tape system will enable practitioners to quickly identify the correct instrument every time.
Ergonomic Sickle Scalers
Dentistry can be physically demanding and involves many repetitive movements, often in the wrists, hands, and fingers. Over time, practitioners risk developing musculoskeletal fatigue, injury, and chronic pain.
Using tools designed with ergonomics in mind can help mitigate the problems associated with holding the same instruments and performing the same movements for hours on end. Well-designed products, like ergonomic sickle scalers, can facilitate a solid hold while reducing hand and finger pinch – especially when they have smart features, such as strategically placed knurling. Incorporating a lightweight design to combat fatigue, this sickle scaler’s solid resin handle provides better tactile sensitivity for improved patient care. Since it is available in bright yellow, practitioners can quickly and easily identify the tool for better work efficiency.
Adjustable Assemble-and-Go Visors
Face shield visors and their accompanying lenses are essential for controlling infection and ensuring the safety of both practitioner and patient. When they are also easy to use, such as assemble-and-go visors, practitioners are able to get comprehensive facial protection in a snap. With the lenses in place, these visors provide a secure fit, wrapping around the face to minimize coverage gaps and exposure to respiratory droplets and other contaminants during up-close interactions with patients.
Designed to fit over glasses, goggles, masks, and N95 respirators, these face shield visors keep vision unobstructed when accompanied by anti-static lenses. A selection of 3 mounting holes provides adjustability of the face shield angle, enabling the practitioner to position the lens closer to the chin for added protection. The clear, snap-in nosepiece provides comfortable ergonomic support while the entire assembly is built to optimize airflow for long days of wear.
Conclusion
The right ergonomic dental equipment can prevent practitioner fatigue and illness, extend career longevity, and keep patients smiling. Whether choosing ergonomic dental instruments, adjustable PPE items, or other tools of the trade, 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.
