6 www.pagd.org Bhealth + wellness Aside from proper positioning, there are things that can be done outside the office to ensure health and longevity for your dental career. Engage in exercise, both muscle and cardiovascular. Muscle toning and strengthening of the head/ neck and back muscles are especially beneficial—i.e., lap pulls, rows, and swimming. Running and walking are easy, well-rounded forms of exercise. Despite busy schedules, being creative and incorporating these types of exercises into a routine can be done! Proper diet and nutrition will also help facilitate ligament and bone care—i.e., calcium, Vitamin C and D, magnesium, and manganese.6 Even after having my loupes adjusted, it took almost two weeks to feel normal again. Old habits are hard to break, so if you are feeling a little tight and sore in your head, neck, and shoulder areas, then make a change! With proper ergonomics, you will have the ability to practice in a more efficient, healthy, and long-term manner. Dr. Stacey Gividen grew up in Hamilton, MT. She did part of her undergraduate work at Purdue University and then received her bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology from the University of Utah. She received her DDS degree from Marquette University School of Dentistry in Milwaukee, WI., in 2004. She is a guest lecturer in the Anatomy and Physiology Department at the University of Montana. She will present Dental Ergonomic Knowledge That Will Move You for the 2021 PEAK Track II Spring Meeting, April 28–May 1 in Bedford, PA. This article first appeared in DentistryIQ, and has been reprinted with permission. References 1 Rucker, et al., Ergonomic risk factors associated with clinical dentistry. Journal of the California Dental Association, Feb. 2002;30(2):139-148. 2 Burke FJ, Main JR, Freeman R. The practice of dentistry: an assessment of reasons for premature retirement. Br Dent J. 1997;182:250-254. 3 Valachi B. Practice Dentistry Pain-Free: Evidence-Based Strategies to Prevent Pain and Extend Your Career. Portland, Ore: Posturedontics Press; 2008. 4 Marston J. D.C. 5537 Old Highway 93, Ste. A. Florence MT 59833. www.florencechiro.com. 5 http://www.dentistrytoday.com/ergonomics/3481-ergonomic-positioning-a-few-degrees-add- years-to-your-career. 6 Humphrey J. DPT, MTC, CFS. 1016 Brooks Avenue Corvallis MT 59828. www.willowcreekpt.com. “Running and walking are easy, well-rounded forms of exercise. Despite busy schedules, being creative and incorporating these types of exercises into a routine can be done!”
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