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January 22, 2005

Ergonomics For Dental Hygienists

A dentist client of mine thoughtfully brought me an article from Dimensions of Dental Hygiene concerning ergonomics, stretching and the benefits of massage for this highly vulnerable population of professionals.

The article states: Dental hygiene practice has a myriad of ergonomic risk factors, including repetition of wrist and arm movements, restricted hand movements, forceful exertions, uncomfortable body posture held for extended periods of time, and vibrations transmitted by dental handpieces or mechanical scalers.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common repetitive strain reported by dental hygienists, with an incidence of the condition at a significant increase when compared with the general population. The article give preventive strategies and suggests a deep therapy massage at least once or twice a month.

I have had a very positive response to massage from my local dental community. I have several dentists as clients, have been invited to speak at chapter meetings, had one dentist buy gift certificates for his entire office staff one Christmas, and have recently referred a client to a dentist in our community who practices myofascial dentistry.

Posted by linda at January 22, 2005 5:49 PM