If you work in dentistry, you already know the struggle. You open the breakroom… and it’s donuts, cookies, leftover pizza, or nothing at all. I've been there and those are hard to resist when you're hangry! While those treats are fun, they don’t exactly support energy, focus, or muscle health —especially when we’re on our feet, gripping instruments, and trying to protect our musculoskeletal system all day long. That’s why I love having high-protein, low-calorie snacks  on han

As dental clinicians, our bodies are our most important tools. We ask a lot of them—long hours, static postures, fine motor control, and repetitive movements that challenge our musculoskeletal system every single day. One of the most overlooked ways to support that system? Starting the day with enough protein. (see my video on my fave morning smoothie below) Protein isn’t just for athletes or bodybuilders. It’s essential for maintaining muscle mass, supporting joint stability

Celebrate The Holidays With Ergonomic Savings The holidays are here, and it’s the perfect time to treat yourself (and your posture!) to ergonomic essentials that make clinical life easier. In my shop, I’ve put together an exclusive sale running through December while supplies last. You’ll save $15 off orders of $100 , $25 off $200 , and $40 off $300 or more —plus special discounts on some of my favorite products. Here are the top picks I recommend adding to your cart this Oct

Awkward Postures Dental clinicians spend hours in static, awkward postures that overload the neck, shoulders, and forearms. Over time, these repeated positions increase intramuscular pressure, reduce blood flow, and contribute to pain, fatigue, and long-term musculoskeletal disorders. That’s why incorporating simple, targeted stretching into your day is one of the most effective ways to protect your body and improve your ergonomic health. Below are the top two stretches for d

Working in dentistry places significant strain on your body, and over time these small, repetitive habits add up. In this week’s episode of Straight Up With Steph , I highlight the top ergonomic mistakes dental clinicians make —and simple, practical ways to correct them so you can feel better and work with less pain. Breaking Neutral Posture Forward head posture and the classic “chicken wing” arm position are two of the biggest contributors to neck, shoulder, and upper-back

Celebrate Black Friday With Ergonomic Savings It's Black Friday and the holiday season, and it’s the perfect time to treat yourself (and your posture!) to ergonomic essentials that make clinical life easier. In my shop, I’ve put together an exclusive sale running 11/26/25-12/1/2025 while supplies last. 🌟You’ll save $15 off orders of $100 , $25 off $200 , and $40 off $300 or more —plus special discounts on some of my favorite products. Here are the top picks I recommend addin

If you’ve ever ended a long day in the op with an aching neck, sore shoulders, or tingling hands, you’re not alone. Most dental professionals accept this pain as “just part of the job” — but it doesn’t have to be. The truth is, discomfort and burnout in dentistry usually start with how  we position ourselves and our patients. Over time, poor posture and repetitive strain can lead to chronic musculoskeletal issues that shorten careers and make every day in the operatory feel h

If you had to add up the hours you’ve spent explaining X-rays or treatment plans to patients who just aren’t getting it … how much time would that be? Oh my gosh, I don't even want to know what mine would be. I can always tell when their eyes start glazing over... I know you've been there too— pointing at the screen, trying different words, drawing lines with your mouse or on a piece of paper — and watching the patient’s eyes glaze over. It’s deflating. Not only does it make

If you’ve ever caught yourself twisting or leaning during patient care and felt that familiar ache in your neck or shoulders, you’re not alone. Our positioning when seeing patients can make or break our musculoskeletal health — and the clock positions we work from matter more than most clinicians realize (check the end for a video and more resources). When possible, aim to do the majority of your work from behind the patient — the 11 to 1 o’clock position . This area allows f

How many hours do you spend polishing every week? Every month?If you added it up, the number might surprise you — and so might the strain it puts on your hands, wrists, and shoulders over time. Studies show that 70–92% of dental professionals experience hand or wrist pain  during their careers. Polishing, though often seen as a “quick” part of the appointment, adds up fast when you factor in the repetitive pinch force, awkward angles, and the weight of traditional corded hand

Tired, Achy, and Sore? Here’s How to Fix the Real Problem Behind Clinician Pain As dental clinicians, we spend hours each day in static,...

Celebrate Dental Hygiene Month With Ergonomic Savings October is Dental Hygiene Month, and it’s the perfect time to treat yourself (and...

Dental mirrors may seem like a small tool, but they have a huge impact on your ergonomics, visibility, and overall career longevity. Using the wrong mirror—or using it incorrectly—can lead to unnecessary strain on your hands, wrists, and neck, while the right mirror can make procedures smoother and more comfortable for both you and your patients. Let’s break down the key do’s and don’ts every clinician should know. The Do’s: ✅ Choose an ergonomic handle: Look for a wide, text

As dental clinicians, we spend long hours in static postures that put a tremendous amount of strain on our shoulders, hips, and spine....

I recently ran a poll on Instagram asking people's biggest ergonomic concern. The response I saw more than anything else? Patient Positioning. Don't worry, I have solutions for you! If you're anything like me, you love a nice, supportive cushion. But did you know that using patient cushions while providing dental care will help your patient be more comfortable and cooperative while enhancing your ergonomics and posture? When discussing ergonomic patient positioning, it's all

As dental clinicians, we spend hours every day leaning over patients. This posture often leads to muscle imbalances—especially upper...

(photo courtesy of Midmark Dental) When we think about dental ergonomics, we often focus on our posture, equipment, or instruments. But one major factor we work around all day—literally—is the patient chair . Its design can either help protect your body or contribute to chronic strain, depending on a few key features. This short post will go over ideal patient chair features, and options for when investing in a new one isn't an option. Let’s start with the backrest . One of t

Driving Ergonomics: How to Protect Your Neck and Shoulders Behind the Wheel When you’re driving, leaning your head forward won’t get you...

Laptops are convenient, portable, and essential for many of us — but if you’re not mindful of your setup, they can be a real pain in the...

If you spend hours a day on your phone, you might be putting more strain on your neck than you realize — and even accelerating wrinkles...