⚠️Graphic Photos Ahead⚠️
A few months into my very first hygiene job, I noticed something odd: a little lump on the top of my left wrist (I’m right-handed). It wasn’t painful at first, just a small annoyance I could feel whenever I flexed my wrist. After a visit to the doctor, I learned it was a ganglion cyst. (I looked for a pre-op photo of mine but couldn't find it in my camera roll). While these are benign and relatively common, they’re often caused by repetitive motions – a hallmark of dental hygiene work.
For the next ten years, the cyst came and went. Sometimes it was barely noticeable, other times it felt like a pebble lodged under my skin. I shrugged it off because it didn’t significantly impact my daily life. But as time went on, things changed. The cyst grew. It became painful and started affecting my grip strength. Simple tasks like holding instruments, opening jars, or doing certain exercises at the gym became challenging. I found myself dropping things unexpectedly.
Eventually, it became clear that surgery was my only option. Ten years after that tiny bump first appeared, I had the cyst surgically removed. While the procedure resolved my immediate pain and restored my grip, I couldn’t help but reflect on how this situation might have been avoided.
Repetitive Motions and Poor Ergonomics: A Dangerous Combination
Ganglion cysts are often linked to repetitive motions and poor ergonomics. For dental clinicians, this combination is almost unavoidable without intentional effort. Reflecting on my early years as a hygienist, I realized just how many of my habits contributed to this issue:
Death gripping everything: Suction, air/water syringes, instruments, handpieces, and mirrors were all handled with excessive force.
Using thin-handled instruments and mirrors: These require more grip force, placing additional strain on the wrist.
Holding the suction during ultrasonic use: Using the suction for both retraction and fluid management added unnecessary strain.
I didn’t have the knowledge or tools I needed to protect myself back then. The result was a decade of periodic annoyance and discomfort and a surgery that could have been avoided.
What I Know Now
Today, as an ergonomic specialist for dental clinicians, I understand how critical it is to prioritize ergonomics early in your career. Here are some simple but impactful changes that can help prevent injuries like mine:
Invest in thick-handled instruments and mirrors. These are ergonomically designed to reduce the grip force required during procedures. This small change can significantly decrease strain on your hands and wrists.
Use suction devices for hands-free efficiency. Devices like these allow you to maintain proper posture and reduce grip-related strain while using the ultrasonic scaler.
Adopt good ergonomic practices early. Adjusting your posture, using ergonomic-friendly equipment, and taking frequent micro-breaks can make all the difference in preventing long-term injuries.
Educate yourself and your team. Ergonomic education isn’t just about equipment; it’s about awareness. Understanding how repetitive motions and posture affect your body is the first step toward change. I do ergonomic lunch and learns for dental teams and have on-demand courses for you.
Preventing Surgery with Ergonomics
If I had known these things during my first year of hygiene practice, I could have prevented surgery. Starting early with ergonomic-friendly products and techniques isn’t just important – it’s crucial. Waiting until you’re already in pain or dealing with a chronic condition makes the road to recovery longer and more challenging.
Take Action Today
If you’re a dental clinician, don’t wait for pain or discomfort to take action. Here are a few steps you can take right now:
Check out my podcast episode on hand health for dental professionals to learn more about preventing injuries and maintaining your hand strength.
Explore ergonomic-friendly products like thick-handled mirrors, suction devices, and cordless polishers in my store to make your practice safer and more comfortable.
Your body is your most important tool. Protect it early, and you’ll enjoy a longer, healthier career.
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