Question:
Problems with Dental equipment. Anyone who works with or is a Dentist
knows the difficult of leaning over and working in a patients mouth.
This can lead to back problems and other uncessary results from years
of work. My question goes out to those who work in this profession. Are
there products available - or improvements being made to eliminate some
of the strain caused from working on patients without the proper
support and posture.
Answer:
There are many companies offering all
types of equipment designed to take physical stress out of our
environment. Two things that have helped me immeasurably are regular
chiropractor visits and Designs for Vision loops that magnify 4.5X and
have a long focal length. The loops force me to sit in a healthier
posture.
Rest periods help as well, but I usually forgo them.
Many companies make various types of equipment that they insist will
help up. Swivel connection handpieces, euro style delivery systems,
better lighting, interesting treatment stool designs and all the
wonderful devices used to prevent RSD from computer use.
I am certain that if you were to spend a few days shaddowing a dental
staff you may find something that would be new and useful. Most of us
just learn to live with our aches and pains and wear them as a badge of
courage.
I've often wondered how you can work so accurately without having something
to brace/rest on? I mean if I'm soldering very small components onto an
printed circuit board I have to rest arms on the desk and tense muscles to
"lock" everything in place. I imagine that having something like a solid bar
that swings across in front of the patient at about chin height would help?
We brace our hand off of our ring finger on another tooth. I
personally, use a chair with an articulated arm rest for my "other"
hand so I can hold the minor out in space comfortably.
