Dentists At Risk For RSI, Too
September 22nd, 2005 | Published in RSI in the News
It looks like RSI is not just for computer user. Dentists are apparently suffering the same sort of problems. A press release announcing a new ergonomically-designed dental tool (New RMO Led Curing Light Ergonomically Designed to Reduce Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Risk to Dentists) says that:
“To help cut the incidence among dentists of carpal tunnel syndrome and related hand/wrist injuries, Rocky Mountain Orthodontics has introduced an ergonomically advanced pistol grip Light Emitting Diode (LED) curing light. The new RMO Turbo Curing Light requires the application of less force because the full hand is employed in manipulating it in contrast to the two or three fingers, which must be tightly applied in gripping wand type curing lights.”
According to the press release, the incidence of CTS and related injuries is reaching massive proportions within the dental profession. “The practicing dentist and dental hygienist have a high rate of upper extremity symptoms and musculoskeletal disorders, however when starting the profession they are relatively symptom free. Although CTS is generally reported to affect only about 0.5 % of the population, it has been found to be 50 times or more greater among dentists. Symptoms related to carpal tunnel syndrome could be found in 75.6 % of dental personnel.”
Makes sense. Dentists have to hold small vibrating tools, making numerous precise movements over long hours, all while hunched over a patient and squinting into the dark recesses of their mouths.
Computer users must the same sort of small motor movements for extended periods, albeit without the vibration, and generally with less blood and screams of pain.
See also: Injury Stats: Dental Profession, Is Repetitive Stress an Occupational Risk in Dentistry?, Dental Hygienists at Risk for CTS.
