Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are already a top concern in dentistry, especially for women. But did you know that hormonal changes in...

Busy days, constant stimulation, and nonstop multitasking—it’s no wonder so many dental professionals feel mentally and emotionally...

Dental Insurance Is Broken—Here’s Why Reform Is Long Overdue Most people assume dental insurance works like medical insurance—but it...

As dental clinicians, we rack up a surprising number of steps just from running room to room, but it’s not enough . Research shows the...

After years in dentistry, I've learned this: your mental and physical health are precious. Too often, hygienists are expected to “put up...

Perio charting can be one of the most physically exhausting parts of our day — especially when you're doing it alone. Between reaching...

Why You Should Stand More During Your Dental Workday “Sitting is the new smoking”—you’ve probably heard the phrase by now. And while it might sound dramatic, the science behind it is pretty convincing. As dental professionals, we spend countless hours in static seated positions, and it’s taking a serious toll on our bodies. The solution? Movement. More specifically: standing. Just like standing desks are becoming more common in offices, alternating between sitting and standin

If you're a dental professional dealing with tight, rock-hard upper traps, you're not alone . The upper trapezius muscles often become overworked and fatigued from being constantly engaged—especially in dentistry, where repetitive movement and poor ergonomics are part of the daily grind. Let’s break down three common reasons  your traps feel like concrete—and what to do about it. 1. The Mirror Arm Chicken Wing Ever caught yourself in the infamous chicken wing  position while

Neutral posture in the operatory Let’s talk about neutral posture —because if you’re a dental clinician, your neck (and your entire career) depends on it. Neutral posture means your ear is vertically aligned with your shoulder. It’s that simple. When we shift our head forward and down—something many of us do without even realizing—it throws off that alignment and adds unnecessary stress to the spine. In fact, for every inch  your head moves forward, it adds an estimated 10 ex

Dental Delivery Systems (courtesy of Midmark) As a dental hygienist and ergonomics specialist, I’ve seen firsthand how different delivery...

Help your positioning with cushions As a dental professional and ergonomic specialist, I know firsthand how frustrating it is when a patient refuses to recline all the way back. Proper positioning is crucial—not just for their comfort but for our  health and longevity in this career. The ideal benchmark? The patient’s mouth should be at the level of our elbow  when we’re in neutral posture. But what do you do when a patient just won’t lean back? Here are my top strategies to

Awkward postures with poor suction technique Suction is one of those things in dentistry that seems simple—until it’s not. A good suction technique allows for clear visibility, a dry field, and a smoother procedure for both the clinician and the patient. However, when working without an assistant, many clinicians find themselves stuck in an awkward and ergonomically harmful position, holding the suction themselves while trying to see and work effectively. The Problem with Hol

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The Dental Access Model Act , as introduced by the American Dental Association has sparked controversy across our industry. I sat down...

Rear delivery units are great—when you have an assistant. But when you're working solo? They can be a nightmare for ergonomics. These setups are designed for four-handed dentistry, which means they don’t always support the best posture or workflow for clinicians working alone. If you’re constantly twisting, reaching, or feeling the strain of working with a rear delivery unit on your own, don’t worry—there are ways to make it work better for you! (photo of rear delivery unit f

⚠️Graphic Photos Ahead⚠️ A few months into my very first hygiene job, I noticed something odd: a little lump on the top of my left wrist...

The older I get, the more I realize the importance of brain health. When I think of myself at 80 or 90, I still want to have a healthy,...

Have you ever wondered what the best clock position is for us? While several factors dictate where we will be, some positions are better than others when it comes to ergonomics and posture. I have read studies examining dental clinicians' muscle engagement in various clock positions. I ran across this excellent article that references the studies. When discussing injury prevention in dentistry, it's all about the LEAST amount of muscle activity while working. These studies ha

Learn correct working distance for best posture in dentistry

Why Holiday Treats Are the Sneaky Villains of Musculoskeletal Pain: It’s that magical time of year when the office break room turns into...