DT Middle East and Africa

Ergonomic and/or lightweight handpieces may help to reducetherisk of certain musculosk- eletal disorders (MSDs) such as carpal tunnel syn- drome (Dong 2006). Advances in tech- nologyhaveprovidedimprovementsin ergonomics;thereby,helpingtoextend thelongevityandcareersofdentalpro- fessionals. Improved technology along with normal and neutral positioning of the body, spine and hands will work to- geth- er for positive health. Over the years, poor posture can affect the musculoskeletal system, which can lead to other complicating health factors. Although, poor posture habits have been created throughout life,itisnottoolatetolearnergonom-ic principles that can contributetoalong- lasting, pain-free way to practice with less fatigue. Learn- ing and practicing goodposturewhile working should be one of the primary goals for increasing and continuing work efforts. Another effort on the behalfofthe clinicianistoengageandembracenew technology and allow that technology to work for you. Many clinicians are in- timi- dated by technology and hesitate to make changes, although these changes are for the best. Repetitive stress injuries (RSI) are defined as cumulative trauma disor- ders resulting from prolonged repeti- tive, forcefulorawkwardmovements. Thesemovements result in damage to the muscles, tendons and nerves (Nainzadeh 1999). Because clinicians are at risk for developing wrist injuries, ergonomic considerations are very important. The correct grasp on instruments, power scalers or dental equipment willhelpprevent RSI. The use of pow- ered scaling devices is one ofthepre- vailingrecommendationsforreducing these injuries. Ergo- nomically de- signed ultrasonic equipment includes scaling units with rotating cables and inserts with balanced handpieces. Power scalers must have a light modi- fied pen grasp. The advantages of the light grasp are tactile sensitivity, patient comfort and reduced fatigue. In addition, the clinician has the advantage of rolling the handpiece between the fingers to have continuous access to the tooth surface, line angles and interproximal and subgingival areas. In other words, the equipment is doing the work; the clini- cian is guiding it. Another area of concern is the management of the cords coming off handpieces, equipment and units. Equipment that must have a power cord revisits the fact that improper management and poor design of the cordscanincreasedragonhand,wrist andarm.Thisinturnincreasestherisk of repet- itive injuries, as your fingers must continually counter the force of the cord drag. The new Midwest® RDH Free- dom® handpiece is cordless, bal- an- ced,lightweightandeasytomaneuver. Becauseofthediam-eter of the hand- piece and lackofacord,ittakeslessof apinchgripandnodragtosetupergo- nomic advantages. This allowsthehy- gienist to take any position around the patient’s head to main- tain proper er- gonomic angles in the arm and wrist. Combine these features with the cord- less foot pedal and it predicts less fa- tigue and better ergonomics. In a survey with hygienists, 100 percent of the hygienists approved of the weight of the cordless hand- piece with the attached dispos- able prophy angle. In addition, 90.9 percent found that the Mid- west RDH Freedom handpiece was easier to maneuver than a corded de- vice. 93.9 percent of hygienists rated their fatigue light to noneattheendof the day using the Midwest RDH Free- domhandpieceversusonly33percent indicatinglight to no fatigue when us- ing their current polishing handpiece. A remarkable difference! Modern technology supports er- gonomics, and therefore, aids in pro- moting the longevity of the cli- nician and comfort for the patient when sup- ported with proper pos- ture and tech- nique. Many times technology is not maximized to the fullest, therefore, limiting the benefits. Take advantage of mod- ern advancements in engi- neering and design and allow your equip- ment to work for you. DT Are you technologically and ergonomically balanced? DENTALTRIBUNE Middle East & Africa Edition News & Opinions 5