Ergonomics and specific equipment in pediatric dentistry
Pediatric dentistry is a medical-surgical discipline that focuses on studying the oral and dental development of children and the diseases associated with it.
Like all other disciplines of dental medicine, pediatric dentistry requires ergonomics and in some cases specific equipment in accordance with the age of this patient, young, anxious, fearful and sometimes uncooperative, in order to better meet their requirements, and above all to ensure reliable, effective and rapid care.
- Definition of ergonomics
The term ERGONOMICS comes from the Greek ERGON (work, power, strength) and NOMOS (law, rule, science),
Ergonomics is the body of knowledge related to humans and necessary to design tools, machines, and devices that can be used with maximum comfort, safety, and efficiency. All of this is done to adapt work to humans. The goal is to simplify work to increase productivity without compromising quality.
- Ergonomics in pediatric dentistry
In the practice of dentistry in general and pediatric dentistry in particular with some details, working ergonomically means adapting one’s technique, environment and organization in order to carry out a task as efficiently as possible, without danger for the patient, the practitioner or their assistant.
- Principles of ergonomics in dentistry
There are so many principles that must be applied if we want to work ergonomically in dentistry:
- Know how to recognize bad posture and be able to remedy it;
- Identify new technologies needed to apply new techniques;
- Update and refresh your technical platform;
- Rethink the organization of your work area and your procedures.
- Working posture
The need to see clearly in the narrow, dark space of the oral cavity can force dental professionals to adopt an unnatural posture during treatment, which can cause serious physical disorders and microtraumas.
repeated. The risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders is higher when good ergonomic principles are ignored.
Dental professionals primarily complain of neck and lower back pain. These ailments develop over the years and worsen when the workload increases.
- Dental Assistant Posture
- Harmonization of posture and vision
- Magnification
- To obtain a better vision, it is possible to use magnifying glasses or microscopes.
- When using these visual aids, the dentist must maintain an optimal distance between his eyes and the patient’s mouth in order to maintain clear, sharp vision and ideal posture.
Here are four suggestions for direct visualization
3. 2. Ergonomic parameters of the workspace
- Choice of armchair
Children can be treated in a standard dental chair; if possible, the practitioner can provide a clinical room for children with a pediatric dental chair that provides comfort, entertainment, and ergonomics.
A dental chair must be chosen according to 7 criteria:
- Provide easy access to the patient.
- Ensure a comfortable position for the patient,
- Have a narrow, flat back,
- Have an adjustable headrest, ensuring head support,
- Digital or foot-operated electric control mechanism,
- Allow a position low enough to have the patient’s mouth at a correct height,
- Noise requirements
- Ergonomic design
The dental practice is in the category of establishments receiving children with obligations to comply with regulatory standards in terms of safe reception and ease of access in terms of disabilities.
The layout of the workspace must be designed to allow for ideal organization of its execution while respecting posturology, the ergonomics of the procedures and hygiene and asepsis conditions. (2nd year dental practice course )
II. Specific material in pediatric dentistry
All the equipment used in adults during clinical examinations or for surgical procedures can be used in pediatric dentistry. However, in certain clinical cases and in certain patient categories (age, general condition, etc.), specific equipment is recommended. It will replace the instrumentation used in adults or sometimes complement it.
Conclusion
If in our daily practice, ergonomics brings comfort and pleasure to the practitioner and the patient, in pediatric dentistry it is even more important. While being a source of comfort, it allows for time savings, thus short sessions and thus spares this young patient from the stress of fear and anxiety. The practitioner must also choose the appropriate equipment for good care of the young patient.
Bibliography
- 2021 FDI World Dental Federation; ERGONOMICS AND POSTURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ORAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
- CLINICAL PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY; Chalal NAULIN –IFI
- CLINICAL GUIDE. PRACTICAL SHEET OF PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY; Jean-Louis Sixou
Ergonomics and specific equipment in pediatric dentistry
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