Have you ever wondered what the best clock position is for us? While several factors dictate where we will be, some positions are better than others when it comes to ergonomics and posture.
I have read studies examining dental clinicians' muscle engagement in various clock positions. I ran across this excellent article that references the studies. When discussing injury prevention in dentistry, it's all about the LEAST amount of muscle activity while working. These studies have found the LEAST amount of muscle engagement is when the clinician is behind the patient, in an 11-1 o'clock position (depending on if they're right or left-handed). I know this is where I feel the most comfortable, and this is what I work on with my clients when I'm doing assessments and coaching.
This is what I recommend:
Prioritizing 11-1 o'clock ( you can't do everything from this position but likely you can do more than you think)
When at 9 or 3 o'clock, be sure you are SQUARED UP to the patient (meaning every point on your body from head to toe is pointing in the same direction)
If you must use the 7 or 5 o'clock position, use it sparingly, as this position has time and time again been demonstrated to force the clinician into awkjward, uncomfortable positions and has very high muscle activity
I created a video tutorial that explains clock positions further here 👇
This video is from my free operator positioning course, which covers stool adjustments, clock positions, standing dentistry, and more!
Try switching up your clock positions, work more from behind the patient, and see how your body feels!
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