Objectives: 

• Understand the importance of ergonomics in dentistry and how human factors and equipment interactions may affect health
• Detect warning signs of musculoskeletal disorders and implement preventive techniques to avoid pain in the dental operatory
• Recognize the role that allopathic and complementary medicine have on overall health and treatment options for the dental hygienist
• Compare and contrast modalities of self-care, discussing implementation of a multi-faceted approach that could help long term physical comfort and increase career satisfaction and longevity

Physical pain is a well- known and documented issue that most dental professionals face during their career. Ergonomic positioning has long been taught in educational curriculums, however the number of musculoskeletal disorders reported and work lost due to physical pain is still significant.  The nature of musculoskeletal disorders is not uniform and there is no singular solution to prevent their onset. In this course, common musculoskeletal disorders that dental hygienists face will be highlighted.  Human factors and equipment interaction will be discussed and considered for optimal outcomes.  The importance of proper ergonomics will be reviewed and innovative as well as classic techniques of self-care will be introduced and discussed. Additionally, a multi-faceted approach to practitioner health and rehabilitation that consider and combine traditional allopathic medicine and complementary alternative medical approaches that include nutrition, yoga, acupuncture, breathwork and meditation will be supported. Finally, motivational factors for change, habit formation, and long- term health will be discussed with the goal of introducing ways to incorporate various practices into daily life that improve long term physical health and satisfaction in the dental operatory.