dental clinic
efficiency and ergonomics
3 steps to increase efficiency
To increase the level of efficiency in a dental clinic, you must design the treatment rooms according to some fundamental design guidelines developed in close collaboration with experts and leading dentists.
- The dentist must be able to work in all positions between 9 and 12 o’clock in order to see all surfaces of all teeth
- The dental assistant must be able to reach materials etc., just by rotating the stool
- Both dentist and assistant must have easy access to instruments
Ergonomics also influences the level of efficiency. If the working procedures are placing unnecessary strain on the practitioners, they are putting their professional health at risk. That is why the dental clinic must be fitted to protect the dental practitioners’ health and provide them with comfortable and healthy working positions to increase efficiency
Ergonomic sitting position
One of the critical things is to ensure the practitioners sit in an upright, balanced position to prevent extended pressure on the intervertebral discs. Read more about the best sitting positions
“I have worked with XO units for many years and sitting on the XO seat (the saddle chair) makes the long patient treatments so much easier for me.”
Work position during dental treatment
Another important aspect is how to obtain the best possible view during dental treatments.
The dental practitioners must position themselves so they can see all surfaces of all teeth while maintaining a balanced working position. See the ideal working position.
Positioning of the instrument bridge
The best way for dental practitioners to sit in a balanced position with an optimum view of the patient’s teeth is to place the instrument bridge over the patient’s chest.
In this position, the instruments are within easy reach for the dentist and assistant in all working positions. Also, the practitioners avoid twists and turns when reaching for instruments. See guidelines for positioning the instrument bridge
“The well-balanced instruments and the fact that all tools can be at the bridge really help us to work efficiently and smoothly.”
Dental ergonomics guide
About 65% of all dentists suffer from musculoskeletal pain in varying severity – from discomfort, pain and limited functioning to loss of working time.
The reason is that far too many works in ways that put their professional health at risk. Designing ergonomic dental clinics is, therefore, more important than ever before. Read more about ergonomics in dentistry.
