Sem 2: Ergonomics in Dentistry

Vocabulary flashcards related to Ergonomics in Dentistry.

Ergonomics Definition

A multidisciplinary science that studies the relationship between the individual and the environment during work to maximize efficiency with minimal effort.

Dental Ergonomics

Applies the principles of classical ergonomics to the relationships between the dentist, assistant, hygienist, dental technician, patient, and the dental office.

Dental Team Members

Dentist, dental hygienist, dental assistant, and dental technician.

Dentist's Role

Head of the dental team, responsible for supervising staff and all tasks.

Dental Assistant's Responsibilities

Prepares the dental office, disinfects equipment, prepares the patient, assists during procedures, and maintains documentation.

Dental Hygienist's Responsibilities

Conducts oral hygiene education, prevents dental diseases, performs prophylactic procedures, and some therapeutic procedures.

Dental Technician's Role

Collaborates with the dentist in the rehabilitation of the masticatory system, creates dentures and orthodontic appliances.

Patient Positions

Seated/reclined and supine positions.

Supine Position Benefits

Reduced risk of choking/fainting, better access to treatment area for dentists,more support points and comfort for the patient

Supine Position - Contraindications

Advanced pregnancy, significant obesity, anxiety, upper respiratory tract obstruction

Methods of Working

Traditional method (patient seated/reclined), 2-handed (solo), 4-handed, and 6-handed methods (patient supine).

Traditional Method - Negative Effects

Can cause spine twisting, muscle tension, blood stasis (seated), and excessive load on right hip, feet, and spine (standing).

4-Handed Method Zones

Operational zone, static zone, assistant's work zone, transfer zone.

6-Handed Method

Involves a dentist and two assistants for increased efficiency.

Operator Support Levels

Fingers, hand/wrist, elbow, torso/pelvis/thighs, and feet support.

Assistant Positioning - Duo Method

Assistant sits higher, eyeline 15-20 cm above operator, thighs in plane with patient's face/at 45° angle.

Ergonomic Work

Ensures correct team position, reduces overload on nervous, musculoskeletal, and visual systems.

5 Classes of Movement in Ergonomics

Fingers, fingers and wrist, fingers/wrist/elbow, whole arm, and arm and torso.

Lighting the Treatment Area

Lamp 10cm above operator's head, light below patient's nose, angle of incidence of light and angle of view should be equal

Principle of Parallelism

Operator's face parallel to tooth surface, line of sight perpendicular.

Principle of Five Changes

Change operator position, patient height, head position (left/right, up/down), mouth opening width.

Ergonomic Grips

Two-finger, three-finger, writer's, modified writer's, and palm grips.

Instrument Handing Methods

One-handed (pass-take) and two-handed methods, proper positioning for immediate use.