This presentation provided an overview of the three most important factors involved in the prevention and musculoskeletal injuries to dentists and dental hygienists. Musculoskeletal injuries among dental workers cost approximately $54 billion annually (Dais and Rover)
A light that mimics natural sunlight to the greatest extent possible will help to reduce eye strain. Ergonomic dental instruments are available to help prevent strain to the hands and wrists (Marsh)
In addition to maintaining these unnatural postures, hygienists and dentist repeatedly move using only a small range of motion in a limited space. This places load on the neck and shoulder, creates an imbalance in muscle length, and an imbalance in muscle strength (McNitt-Gray and Mathlyakom)
Exercises are an essential part of the prevention of musculoskeletal injuries for dentists and hygienists. The most important exercises are those that focus on chest musculature, hamstring muscles, lower back muscles, buttock muscles, and hip flexors (Valachi and Valachi, p
¶ … journal Allergy reports that dental assistants who are exposed daily to the use of methacrylates can be at risk for respiratory problems. In fact the results of a survey of 799 dental assistants in Finland reveals that there is an "…increased risk of adult-onset "asthma…nasal symptoms…and work-related cough or phlegm" (Jaakkola, et al