title: Posturedontics: How does dentistry fit you?
abstract: Dentists are at high risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSD's) due to their work. MSD's is an umbrella term for number of injuries affecting different parts of the body, including joints, muscles, tendons, nerves that can arise from sudden exertion or making the same motions repeatedly. These injuries can develop over time and can lead to long-term disability. Dental professional often develop musculoskeletal problems due to bad working habits, uncomfortable physical posture causing unnecessary musculoskeletal loading, discomfort and fatigue. Ergonomic principles when it is applied, it will help to reduce stress and eliminate many potential injuries and disorders associated with the overuse of muscles, bad posture, and repeated tasks. This can be accomplished by using a proper dental chair, lighting and the selection of ergonomically-friendly equipment to fit the dental professionals physical capabilities and limitations. This review addresses about the basics of ergonomics, positioning, viewing, handling, and prevention of MSD's.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health Dentistry, Yenepoya Dental College, Deralakatte, Mangalore, India.
authors.forename: Praveen S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Jodalli
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health Dentistry, SGT University, Gurgaon, Haryana, India.
authors.forename: Suchi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kurana
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health Dentistry, Yenepoya Dental College, Deralakatte, Mangalore, India.
authors.lastname: Shameema
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Yenepoya Dental College, Deralakatte, Mangalore, India.
authors.forename: Mallikarjuna
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ragher
authors.affiliation: Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Yenepoya Dental College, Deralakatte, Mangalore, India.
authors.forename: Jaishree
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Khed
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Pathology, Yenepoya Dental College, Deralakatte, Mangalore, India.
authors.forename: Vishnu
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Prabhu
keywords: Dentists; equipment; ergonomics; musculoskeletal disorders