CONTINUING
EDUCATION
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Stephanie offers lectures to various dental and dental hygiene associations in and outside of the state of Colorado. She educates about the importance of proper ergonomics to avoid pain and improve the dental practitioners’ quality of life, both inside and outside the operatory.
Previous Lectures
Available Courses
Protecting Your Most Valuable Instrument: Your Body
These days, working in dentistry is a challenging field in more ways than one! In fact, recent studies show that 91% of dental hygienists report suffering or have suffered from MSDs. In addition, 84% of dentists report pain while working. Dental workers face numerous points of stress, both mental and physical, that, if left unchecked, can cause significant physical damage and can reduce one's quality of life. Dental professionals are at high risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to the unique challenges and risk factors inherent in practicing dentistry. This course will cover basic ergonomic principles that the attendee can apply directly to operatory life. It will identify the most common MSDs reported in dentistry and the movements and postures that cause them. It will also cover the numerous modalities to reduce the risk of MSDs, both internal and external to the individual. There are many things outside our control in dentistry, but we can take plenty of actions to prevent MSDs and protect our lives and careers.
After this course attendees will be able to:
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Comprehend the basic principles of ergonomics and how they apply to work in dentistry
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Recognize the physiological challenges we face when practicing dentistry
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Identify the most common musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among dental professionals
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Compare the various medical services and lifestyle changes used to reduce symptoms of MSDs
Don’t Let Practicing Dentistry Break Your Bod!
Knowing and practicing ergonomics is crucial for anyone working in dentistry. We all know we should be sitting up straight and protecting our bodies while working, but how do we do that when working on patients? This course will offer practical guidance on incorporating basic ergonomic principles into the operatory. Patient positioning and operator positioning are crucial elements to focus on while in the operatory, and this course will offer a deep dive into both of these topics. It will also cover the differences in operatory design with the unique benefits and challenges specific to each. Finally, we will learn how to reduce our stress and risk of injury with activities such as breathing, exercise, and diet. Practicing dentistry is tough, but it does not have to break your bod!
After this course attendees will be able to:
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Understand foundational ergonomic strategies and how to achieve proper ergonomics in the operatory
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Identify proper operator positioning depending on the task or treatment area
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Utilize different patient positions to assist in ergonomic dental practice
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Compare and contrast different operatory layouts
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Comprehend different strategies to downregulate the nervous system and reduce the risk of future injury
The Dental Professional’s Role in Supporting Patients with Substance Use Disorder
According to recent studies, about 1 in 12 adults in America have an active substance use disorder. In addition, about 30% of adults misuse substances without showing any outward signs of a disorder. Research indicates substances have a detrimental effect on one’s health, including oral health.
The dental professional can play a vital role in supporting patients with substance use disorder. Oftentimes dental providers are the health care professionals spending the most one-on-one time with patients. Therefore, they are in a position to screen and advise patients on this issue. With the right skills and confidence, dental professionals can serve as the first line of defense against risky substance use.
After this course attendees will be able to:
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Understand substance use disorder as a treatable medical condition
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Understand opioid use disorder and alternative therapies to control pain
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Identify how a substance use disorder progresses
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Recognize the physical and psychological changes consistent with substance use disorder
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Communicate effectively with patients and team members about substance use disorder
“Perfect Posture Mechanics”
The dental profession is at high risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), with up to 96% of practitioners reporting pain due to clinical work habits. This is due to repetitive movements, bending, twisting, reaching, incorrect operator and patient positioning, and performing repetitive movements in a static posture.
Ergonomics is the science of fitting the working environment to the practitioner, instead of forcing one's body to acclimate to the environment. Practicing proper ergonomics can increase productivity, decrease pain, and lengthen one's career. Allowing the individual to practice pain-free, ergonomics can increase the quality of one's life and work satisfaction.
At the conclusion of this course, participants will learn ergonomic techniques, stretches and equipment choices to allow them to practice pain-free.
After this course attendees will be able to:
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Identify unique cumulative stress and musculoskeletal disorders that affect dental professionals
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Incorporate improved ergonomics and stretches into daily life
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Review patient and operator positioning to improve ergonomics and reduce pain
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Assess ergonomic equipment to maintain proper positioning
Testimonials
"Miss Stephanie Botts spoke to the Delaware dental hygiene Association recently and was a dynamic speaker. She was great to work with from the first email to the last email. The attendees loved the audience interaction, her slides, and most of all the information that she gave us; we all took something home that we will continue to use in practice. We hope to have her back and in Delaware again."
— Teresa Matoni RDH
First vice president Delaware Dental Hygiene Association