Learning Objectives: 

• Identify unique cumulative stress and musculoskeletal disorders that affect dental professionals 
• Incorporate improved ergonomics and stretches into daily life
• Review patient and operator positioning to improve ergonomics and reduce pain
• Assess ergonomic equipment to maintain proper positioning

The dental profession is at high risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), with up to 96% of practitioners reporting pain due to clinical work habits. This is due to repetitive movements, bending, twisting, reaching, incorrect operator and patient positioning, and performing repetitive movements in a static posture. Ergonomics is the science of fitting the working environment to the practitioner, instead of forcing one's body to acclimate to the environment. Proper ergonomics can increase productivity, decrease pain, and lengthen one's career.  Allowing the individual to practice pain-free, ergonomics can increase the quality of one's life and work satisfaction. At the conclusion of this course, participants will learn ergonomic techniques, stretches and equipment choices to allow them to practice pain-free.