Your working distance is the space between your eyes and the patient’s mouth when you’re sitting upright with good posture. It’s a simple concept but essential for both your comfort and the quality of dental care you provide.
I see too often when doing assessments, the clinician is trying to have good posture, but an incorrect working distance is preventing that.
Why Working Distance Matters:
Reduces Physical Strain: Proper working distance minimizes stress on your neck, back, and eyes.
Enhances Visibility: A correct distance ensures optimal clarity and precision during procedures.
Right and Wrong Working Distances
Too Short a Working Distance:
When the working distance is too short, you might find yourself forced to position the patient higher than necessary or needing to lean/hunch forward. This leads to poor posture, increased strain, and less efficient work.
The Ideal Working Distance:
The ideal working distance allows you to clearly see the patient’s mouth when their mouth is level with your elbow. This promotes better ergonomics and ensures you’re working in a position that’s sustainable for long-term health. You can practice with your head upright, and shoulders and arms relaxed.
How to Find Your Ideal Working Distance (see this video):
Adjust Your Seat: Sit upright with your back straight and your shoulders relaxed.
Patient Positioning: Ensure the patient’s mouth aligns with your elbow when you're in a neutral position.
Check Your Loupes: Magnification devices are fantastic tools, but only when set to the correct working distance.
Magnification is only as effective as the ergonomics behind it. If your working distance is off, discomfort and strain are inevitable.
For more on loupes, check out Episode 2 of my podcast, All About Ergonomic Loupes 🎙️
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