ERGONOMÍA EN LA PRÁCTICA ODONTOLÓGICA. REVISIÓN DE LITERATURA

Abstract

In their practice, dentists are constantly subjected to the risk of suffering musculoskeletal disorders due to the need of maintaining positions that help for the performance of precise movements in such a small place like the mouth. The aim was to analyze the more relevant issues affecting the professional’s health during dental practice as well as those elements that promote welfare from an ergonomic perspective. Such elements tend to be forgotten by the professional and they must be remembered to avoid lesions during clinical sessions. It was performed a literature search in Spanish and English in different specialized sources of information including Scielo, PubMed and Google Scholar by using key words like: ergonomics in the dental office, working postures in dentistry and musculoskeletal disorders. Health risks arising from dental practice may be diminished by considering the contributions of Ergonomics as a science seeking for the organization of the work in so that maximum performance and comfort is achieved with a minimum of physical and psychological effort. It is important to assume the proper working postures, taking into account the provision of the dental office and the use of equipment with ergonomic designs according to the specific needs. It is recommended for both the dentist and the assistant team to execute muscle stretching and to take rest breaks between one patient and another.