CE: Ergonomics for the Dental Team

Great for the whole team! 

Ergonomics for the Dental Team

The goal of the lecture is to raise awareness for dentists, hygienist and dental assistants of the need to understand the risks of poor posture and un-treated physical and mental stress so common in the dental workplace. Audience members (ideally all team members) can expect to leave with some new concepts applicable to everyday work and also non work postures and behaviours that may be beneficial and hopefully career extending.

This lecture will review the concept of ergonomics and how it has changed over time as applied to dentistry from essentially an efficiency driven idea to a more MSD (musculoskeletal disorder) prevention idea. Emphasis is on scientific studies both historical and current to support innovations in how we work, as well as practical suggestions in changes to work habits.

Data and studies carried out by medicine, dentists , and concerned hygienists and assistants is included sourced from relevant journals and texts.

Preventive exercises useful both during the work day and at home will be presented in detail in the form of photos and videos prepared by myself, (borrowed from physiotherapy and other expert sources). A series of slides is offered and have been used for previous ergonomics lecture presented most recently at Manitoba Dental Conference in April 2023 . They have since been updated a little with new videos.

Dr. Levin offers his own journey of discovery as a dentist for the past 40 years as an example of how learning about better ergonomics can extend one’s career.

Bio

Gord Levin is a dentist with four decades of experience in general dentistry, has a background in orofacial pain and dental sleep medicine. His passion for studying yoga has sparked an interest in establishing optimal ergonomics for dental staff. He authored "Strain and Pain in the Dental Profession," featured in the Oral Health Journal. Dr. Levin aims to assist dental team members in having lengthy and comfortable careers like his own.