Ergonomics in Dental Assisting - Chapter 25

Vocabulary terms and definitions covering Chapter 25: Ergonomics from Modern Dental Assisting, 14th Edition.

Ergonomics

The adaptation of the work environment to the human body.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)

Disabling, work-related conditions affecting the muscles and skeleton—such as headaches, neck and shoulder pain, back pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome—caused by posture, work habits, and equipment design.

Neutral position

The ideal working posture that helps prevent injury by avoiding excessive deviations such as leaning forward, twisting, and overbending.

Reaching movements

Movements made during dental procedures that should be limited to the front of the body only and not behind.

Cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs)

Disorders caused by repetitive motion, overflexion, and wrist extension, especially when tasks require force.

Carpal tunnel

An anatomic area located in the hand and wrist where tendons and nerves pass.

Median nerve

The nerve in the carpal tunnel that experiences pressure and compression when tendons swell from improper motion.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)

A common cumulative trauma disorder of the wrist whose first symptom is painful tingling in one or both hands, followed by weakness in grip strength.

Thenar muscle

The muscle group located at the base of the thumb that can weaken in advanced cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, decreasing hand grip strength.

Ambidextrous gloves

Gloves made to fit either hand that can exert excessive tension on the hypothenar eminence by forcing the hand against the vertical alignment of the glove form.

Hypothenar eminence

The fleshy elevation on the palm side of the hand that can experience excessive tension from wearing ambidextrous gloves.

Right-left gloves

Properly sized, hand-specific gloves that support the hand in a natural position and correctly position the thumb, index finger, and middle finger.

Full back release

An exercise to relieve back, neck, and shoulder stress by dropping the head and arms between the knees, holding briefly, and rolling up by contracting stomach muscles with the head rising last.

Shoulder shrugs

Simple physical exercises used to stretch and relieve shoulder muscle strain during the workday.