HAND HEALTH FOR DENTAL PROFESSIONALS

Hand fatigue is a serious issue, work-related hand/wrist disorders develop from the physical activities performed by dental professionals. Risk factors that may contribute to muscle fatigue and the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) of the hand include: 

• exerting excessive force
• excessive repetition of movements
• awkward postures or unsupported positions
• static postures or positions that a worker must hold for long periods of time
• compression which can concentrate force on small areas of the body
• inadequate recovery time due to overtime, lack of breaks, and failure to vary tasks
• excessive vibration, usually from vibrating tools/drills which can decrease blood flow, damage nerves, and contribute to muscle fatigue. 1 

Additionally, when a glove is worn that restricts hand movement, the dental worker must exert more muscle effort to perform procedures, thereby increasing the risk of strain which can lead to hand fatigue or injury such as the carpal tunnel syndrome.2 Between 23% and 40% of dentists and close to 75% of dental hygienists experience hand and wrist pain.3 The combined cost of lost wages and production, medical expenses, and worker’s compensation results in a sizeable financial toll on individuals and employers.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ERGONOMICS
Ergonomics is the practice of preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). Successful implementation of ergonomic practices increases productivity, reduces illnesses and injuries, and boosts satisfaction among dental professionals.4 In contrast, unsuccessful implementation of ergonomic practices can lead to WRMSDs. 

Ansell does this by measuring the toll of occupational activities and applying cutting-edge technologies to produce disposable gloves with improved dexterity, comfort, and fit when compared with competitors’ gloves. Ansell’s innovative ERGOFORM™ Ergonomic Design Technology has helped deliver improved range of motion and enhanced comfort in protective gloves that are used daily by most workers. Ansell factors in the ergonomics of the hand by accommodating its natural state and allowing for better freedom of movement to greatly reduce the stress placed on workers’ hands. This prevents the occurrence of MSDs such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis in the long term. 

Speak to your SurgiMac Sales Representative for a custom glove recommendation for your office. Ansell has a broad range of gloves designed to ergonomically reduce hand fatigue, and offer excellent dexterity along with enhanced comfort, fit and feel.

EARN A CE CREDIT

SurgiMac and Ansell are pleased to offer a CE course on the importance of Hand Health, hosted on Dental Learning.net. To access, log in to your account (or register to create an account). Upon completion and passing of the exam, you can immediately download your CE verification document.

• Click here to access the course: https://www.dentallearning.net/course/hand-health
• Click here to access the comprehensive course material: https://viewsu2.highspot.com/viewer/cd027c2d3137543f50d4b4f9024c8bba

References:

1. Khanagar S, Rajanna V, Naik S, Jathanna VR, Kini PV, Reddy S. An Insight to Ergonomics in Dental Practice. I J Pre Clin Dent Res 2014;1(2): 35-40. 2. Haghigh B, Khosropanah H, Vahidnia F, Esmailzadeh S, Emami Z. Association of Dental Practice as a Risk Factor in the Development of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. J Dental Shiraz Univ Med Scien 2013;14(1):37-40. 3. https://dentalacademyofce.com/courses/1878/pdf/handandwristpain.pdf 4. Gupta A, Bhat M, Bansal N, Gupta G. Ergonomics in Dentistry. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2014:1(1):30