Ergonomic Tips for Faster, Easier Perio Charting

Perio charting can be one of the most physically exhausting parts of our day — especially when you're doing it alone. Between reaching for the mouse, twisting to chart teeth, and trying to stay efficient, it’s easy for pain and fatigue to creep in. Over time, these repetitive motions can lead to serious strain and even injury.

The good news? A few simple ergonomic adjustments can make your perio charting faster, easier, and much more comfortable. Here are two of my favorite ways to protect your body and boost your efficiency:

1. Try Standing While You Chart

Standing during perio charting is an easy way to break the cycle of repetitive twisting and awkward reaching. When you stand, you naturally pivot your body instead of twisting your spine, creating smoother, healthier movements.

Standing also lets you use different muscle groups than you would while sitting, improves blood flow and oxygenation throughout the body, and removes the barrier of chair arms or your own legs. You can get closer to the patient without straining — and your body will thank you at the end of the day!

Want to see a quick video? Check out my Instagram post here!

2. Use Voice-Activated Charting Software

I actually used voice charting software when it first came out over a decade ago... and let’s just say, it was a bit of a disaster. 😅 It would pick up every little background noise — the suction, conversations in the hallway — and sometimes it would just start randomly charting all by itself!Half the time, I ended up throwing in the towel and doing it manually anyway.

Fast forward to today: things have changed in a big way. Modern systems powered by AI are fast, accurate, and super user-friendly. You simply speak into a microphone and the software records everything for you — probing depths, recession, bleeding points, furcations, mobility — everything!

You can now complete a full periodontal chart in under 5 minutes without twisting to grab a keyboard or mouse, which greatly improves your solo periodontal charting ergonomics and flow during appointments. And you don't have to pull an assistant or front desk team member to help you, they have their own things to do!

Installation is simple (it’s just a quick computer extension), and it’s surprisingly affordable — especially with my 50% off code for your first month! Use code SBOTTS with Denti.AI!

Small changes lead to big results. Protecting your posture and minimizing strain today will help you stay healthier, happier, and in the operatory for years to come. Happy (and ergonomic) charting!