Don’t Let Practicing Dentistry Break Your Bod
Friday, April 24
9 AM - Noon
3 CDE Credits – DDS, DH, DA
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Knowing and practicing ergonomics is crucial for anyone working in dentistry. We all know we should be sitting up straight and protecting our bodies, but how do we do that when working on patients? This course will offer practical guidance on incorporating basic ergonomic principles into the operatory, including deep dives on patient positioning and operator positioning. It will also cover the differences in operatory designs, with the unique benefits and challenges specific to each. Finally, we will learn how to reduce our stress and risk of injury with breathing, exercise and diet. Practicing dentistry is tough, but it does not have to break your bod!
Course Objectives:
1. Understand foundational ergonomic strategies and how to achieve proper ergonomics in the operatory.
2. Identify proper operator positioning depending on the task or treatment area.
3. Utilize different patient positions to assist in an ergonomic dental practice.
4. Compare and contrast different operatory layouts.
5. Comprehend different strategies to downregulate the nervous system and reduce the risk of future injury.
PRESENTER:
Stephanie Botts, BSDH, RDH, CEAS
Stephanie Botts has been a clinical dental hygienist for more than 17 years. She is a Certified Ergonomics Assessment Specialist, providing both in-office and virtual ergonomics consulting and coaching to dental professionals. She also provides continuing education to dental and dental hygiene associations on the topic of ergonomics. Her experience as a clinical dental hygienist and ergonomic expert has allowed her to recognize the unique challenges of practicing pain-free in the dental setting. Botts believes by learning effective strategies to optimize proper ergonomics both inside and outside the operatory, dental professionals can practice pain-free and ensure career longevity.
Sponsored by: Hager Worldwide & Premier Dental
Conflict of Interest: Hager Worldwide & Premier Dental
