Checklist: Ergonomics at dental chair
Spare the neck, back and hands — every single patient
§Before the patient
- 01Set the chair height according to the patient's size and the planned treatment.
- 02Set your own footstool and light so you don't have to crouch or stretch your neck.
- 03Place the instrument tray so you avoid unnecessary stretching.
§During the treatment.
- 01Use appropriate finger support rather than force in the wrist.
- 02Sit close to the patient's head with supported back.
- 03Change working posture and hand, where possible during longer treatments.
- 04Use the advantage of four-handed technique — let the assistant relieve the dentist of reaching and fetching.
§During the day
- 01Switch between tasks, so the same joints aren't strained all day.
- 02Take short breaks between patients to straighten your back.
- 03Speak up if a fixed working position hurts — it is not something you should get used to.