Musculoskeletal disorders are frequently seen in dental professionals. Common risk factors that contribute to work-related pain and injuries in dentistry include poor posture or awkward positioning, increased grip force, contact stress, vibration, and repetitive movements. Yoga practices can help dental professionals combat pain and reduce the risk of injury. The nature of this work is not just physically demanding, but mentally challenging as well. In addition to pain, dental professionals also face an alarming prevalence of stress and burnout. This course will also describe how yoga can be used to support energy and focus to reduce stress.
Educational objectives
Upon completion of this course, the dental professional should be able to:
- Describe the leading risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders that commonly affect dental professionals
- Reduce pain and risk of injury through the use of therapeutic yoga
- Employ yogic practices to help improve focus, prevent burnout, and reduce stress
About the Author
Caitlin Parsons, RDH, C-IAYT, CEAS, is a practicing dental hygienist, yoga therapist, ergonomics expert, and the founder of The Aligned Hygienist. She is a writer, public speaker, consultant, podcast host, and content creator. Caitlin specializes in ergonomics, yoga therapy, pain prevention, stress management, and burnout for dental professionals, teams, and organizations.
Image credit: 178378645 © Viktor Koldunov | Dreamstime.com
Quick Access Code: 22345