Bonnie G. Branson

Changes in posture: a case study of a dental hygienist's use of magnification loupes.

PURPOSE Evidence suggests that using magnification loupes will improve the posture of dental clinicians, thus decreasing work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this case study was to document the experiences of a dental hygienist during a four week acclimatization period. METHODS Documentation was comprised of self-reports from the dental hygienists reflective journaling and postural measurements made by a trained observer using Bransons Posture Assessment Instrument (BPAI), a validated posture assessment instrument. Journal reports and postural measurements were made prior to the use of the magnification loupes and over the subsequent three week trial. CONCLUSION Use of the magnification loupes was a positive experience. The BPAI results indicated a positive change in neck and low back posture. Further trials of the effectiveness of magnification loupes in reducing musculoskeletal disorders with this occupational group are recommended.

An evidence-based review of ergonomic features of dental hygiene instruments

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this paper is to describe the research identifying dental hygiene risk factors, outline the structural characteristics of the various tools that dental hygienists use and discuss the evidence to support ergonomic tool re-designs. METHODS Two databases, Medline and Cinahl, were used to identify epidemiological research studies from 1998--2008 that describe the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in dental hygienists. The length, diameter, mass and padding of twenty-one (n=21) dental instruments and instrument grip combinations and twenty-two (n=22) mirrors and mirror grip combinations are described. RESULTS The length, mass and diameter of dental instruments and dental mirrors ranged from 16.3 cm to 17.5 cm and 15.9 cm to 18.5 cm, from 10.0 g to 25.0 g and 5.0 g to 30.0 g, and from 6.5 mm to 11 mm and 6 mm to 14 mm, respectively. Padding instruments and mirrors increased the mass by approximately 5.0 g. The literature does not suggest an optimal length for dental instruments or dental mirrors. The literature suggests that the optimal diameter for dental instruments and mirrors is at least 10 mm, the optimal weight is 15.0 g or less, and padding decreases muscle activity. CONCLUSIONS Dental hygienists should be educated to select a variety of instrument handles based upon the parameters described above.

Examining the effect of the Flextend Orthotic Device on grip strength: a pilot study.

Strengthening exercises like those used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome have been recommended for prevention however their effectiveness when used in this manner are not known. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the Flextend Orthotic Device on grip strength of dental hygiene students. This study used a convenience sample of 24 (n=24) first year dental hygiene students. Students were randomly assigned to either the Flextend Orthotic Exercise glove group or a control group. A series of grip strength measurements were taken periodically throughout the study using a hydraulic hand dynamometer. In a repeated measures analysis of covariance there were no significant effects for study group (p=0.812) time (p=0.954), nor was there a significant interaction between group and time (p=0.858). Use of the Flextend Orthotic Device did not additionally increase grip strength among dental hygiene students over the eight week time period. In none of the weeks post baseline was there a significant difference between the Flextend Orthotic Device group and control groups.