Hygiene Atlas

Atlas · Plate XI · Instrumentation · 01

Ergonomics and positioning

Sit with thighs level or slightly down, feet flat, back straight and elbows close at waist height, with the patient's mouth near elbow level. Right-handed clinicians work from about 8 to 1 o'clock. For the maxillary arch the patient lies nearly supine. Poor posture leads to carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis and neck and back pain.

High-yield facts · 6

  1. Neutral seated position: thighs parallel to the floor or slightly down, feet flat, back straight, elbows close at waist level, forearms roughly parallel to the floor.T3
  2. The patient's mouth should be at about the clinician's elbow height.T3
  3. Right-handed clock positions run from about 8 to 1 o'clock; left-handed from about 11 to 4.T3
  4. Maxillary arch: patient nearly supine with the maxillary occlusal plane roughly perpendicular to the floor. Mandibular arch: chair back raised slightly so the mandibular occlusal plane is about parallel to the floor when open.T3
  5. Common occupational problems: carpal tunnel syndrome (median nerve), neck and back pain, tendinitis.T3
  6. Magnification loupes should allow a neutral head angle of under about 20 degrees of neck flexion.T3

Facts are written in our own words; each tag links to its source. Values marked "sources vary" differ between references, so check the one your program uses.