Ergonomics

Question 1

Main goals of ergonomics in dentistry

Answer 1

• Reduce over exertion injury.
• Minimise fatigue.
• Removing unnecessary tasks, steps and effort.
• Offer more opportunities for job satisfaction and comfort.

Question 2

Consequences of poor ergonomics

Answer 2

• acute or chronic pain
• impact on mood and well being
• accidents and injury
• shorter career
• impacting treatment options
• loss of earnings

Question 3

Risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders

Answer 3

• vibrations from tools
• static position
• repetitive movements
• minute grasping (small working space)
• excessive force
• pre disposing MSD’s
• poorly designed room

Question 4

3 umbrella terms under ergonomics in dentistry

Answer 4

Instruments
Equipment/work station
Posture

Question 5

What body parts are mainly concerned with a good operator position

Answer 5

Feet
Knees
Buttocks
Elbow
Shoulder

Question 6

What height should the patients chair be put to?

Answer 6

In line with clinicians elbows

Question 7

How should the feet be positioned for the operator?

Answer 7

Flat on floor, slightly apart

Question 8

How should the operators legs be positioned?

Answer 8

Slightly apart
Thighs parallel and knees perpendicular to the floor

Question 9

Correct buttocks seating position

Answer 9

Sit evenly and not to one side

Question 10

What degree of back tilt is acceptable

Answer 10

0-20 degree tilt

Question 11

What degree of arm opening is acceptable

Answer 11

0-20 degrees opening

Question 12

What helps keep shoulders in neutral position?

Answer 12

Staying relaxed, minimises tension

Question 13

Hands should be?

Answer 13

Neutral
Facing each other

Question 14

How would you change the patient position to treat maxilla teeth

Answer 14

Angle head rest back and chin up

Question 15

How would you change the position to treat teeth in the mandible

Answer 15

Angle head rest forward and down, chin down

Question 16

Features of the dental mirror

Answer 16

Multifunctional
Mandatory
Needs care
Varies in magnification and sizes

Question 17

Functions of the dental mirror

Answer 17

Indirect vision
Retraction
Indirect illumination
Transillumination

Question 18

What is the clock operator zone for right handed clinicians?

Answer 18

Between 7 and 12 o’clock

Question 19

What posterior sextants would be easier to clean with patients head away from you?

Answer 19

URb
ULp
LRb
LLling

Question 20

What posterior sextants would be easier to clean with patient facing towards you?

Answer 20

URp - use of mirror, indirect.
ULb
LRLing
LLb