The neutral position of the dentist during the professional activity and the consequences of breaking it

Abstract

Introduction: A work-related musculoskeletal disorder is an injury affecting the musculoskeletal, peripheral nervous and neurovascular systems. It is caused by prolonged, repetitive, forced and awkward movements, poor posture, equipment that doesn’t suit the requirements, overloaded program, stress and insufficient resting time. Dentists are exposed to a huge risk of developing a musculoskeletal disorder because of repetitive movements combined with forced movements, poor posture during the work, big efforts, stressing and lack of rest. Probably the most important risk factor is the poor posture. Researchers have found the presence of poor postures in the neck, back, shoulders, hands and wrists. Poor postures may appear because of improper seating of the doctor, improper seating of the patient and poor work techniques. Injuries to the muscles, tendons and nerves can be prevented in many cases. Neutral posture is the perfect posture of the body during work, associated with the lower risk of musculoskeletal trauma. For most joints a neutral posture is the posture when the joints are being used almost at half of their full range of motions. Purpose and Objectives: To establish the neutral postures during the work with the proper, comfortable and efficient seating of the dentist and the patient. Materials and methods: During the study there were compared advantages and disadvantages of practicing patient’s and dentist’s postures. Students applied the theoretical knowledge during their practicing on phantoms. Results: The efficiency of neutral postures was studied on the base of practical activity of the students on phantoms within 2 hours and completing surveys afterwards. The evaluation of the skills for each posture allowed to establish the most comfortable postures having the minimal muscle strain and maximal working time. Conclusion: The most comfortable postures are at 10, 11 and 12 o ’clock. Postures at 8 and 9 o’clock are less comfortable for the patient, because the right forearm of the dentist is placed above the chest. The proper use of neutral postures will allow the students to get the right working skills, to enhance the techniques and working quality, to keep and maintain their well-being even from the onset of the practice.