Category Archives: Health

Practice Successfully, Live Well: Ergonomic advice to reduce work-related pain

Dentistry is a physically demanding profession. Dentists often assume awkward positions to provide treatment to their patients. This leaves them at high risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). MSDs are a common medical problem and include carpal tunnel syndrome and hand-arm vibration syndrome. The causes include repetitive work motions, awkward or constrained postures and the use of vibrating… Read More »

‘I credit this dentist with saving my life’

In July 2012, registered nurse Sandy Wexler went to her dentist for her routine cleaning, just as she always did. After her cleaning, the dentist did a routine check for oropharyngeal cancer, including a visual inspection and palpating Sandy’s neck. Sandy wasn’t very familiar with exams like this and thought that maybe her new dentist was doing extra… Read More »

7 ergo tips to help you stay healthy

Practicing dentistry often involves being in uncomfortable postures and performing repetitive hand motions for long periods of time. As a result, 40 to 60 percent of dental professionals suffer from work-related musculoskeletal issues. Are you one of them? A good, ergonomically designed operatory, along with daily stretching and exercise, can help dental practitioners and their staff enjoy long,… Read More »

The dark days of dentistry

You want to know a secret? Sometimes I don’t want to go to work. . . Sometimes I don’t want to pull that tooth or make that denture or place that composite. Sometimes . . . I don’t want to do dentistry at all. But if you’re a practicing dentist reading this right now, you know full well… Read More »

Are you satisfied? – Practice setting and dentist job satisfaction

Are you satisfied with your current job situation? Are there certain aspects you wish were different? Maybe you are just starting your career, or looking for a change. It turns out the type of practice you work in may impact how you feel about your dental career. In an innovative, first-of-its-kind study, researchers from the University of Illinois… Read More »

Never a dull moment: New dentists discuss managing work with life and family

A partner dentist in a group practice in Massachusetts, a spouse and a mom to two children ages 5 and 3, Dr. Andrea Fallon knows well the day-to-day challenges of balancing job and family responsibilities. “Dentists have worked so very hard to gain that degree, and owner dentists have an obligation to their practice and staff to continue… Read More »