Table 1.
Recommendations for improving dental hygiene curriculum to prevent MSDs
|
Themes |
Subthemes/Recommendations |
Recommended by |
|
Education/prevention techniques for all types of MSDs |
Emphasis on ergonomics |
Faculty, dental hygienists |
|
|
Demonstrate ways to position oneself and client for when the supine position is contraindicated |
Dental hygienists |
|
Focus on physical activity |
Self-care (yoga, meditation) |
Faculty, dental hygienists |
|
|
Preventive exercises, stretching, core strength |
Faculty, dental hygienists |
|
Injury prevention items |
Mandatory loupes |
Dental hygienists |
|
|
Ergonomic chairs/workstations |
Dental hygienists |
|
|
Teach left-handed students to adapt to right-handed workstations |
Dental hygienists |
|
|
Improve instructor calibration to assess ergonomics |
Faculty |
|
Dedicated ergonomics course |
Education on all types of injuries and ways to prevent them |
Faculty, dental hygienists |
|
|
Collaboration with other health professionals (OT, PT, MT, chiropractor, other)a |
Faculty, dental hygienists |
|
|
Class discussion with dental hygienists who have experienced an MSD; show rate of injury statistics |
Dental hygienists |
|
|
Fitness component |
Dental hygienists |
|
|
Students self- and/or peer ergonomic assessment |
Faculty |
|
Post-graduation |
Follow up with students after graduation |
Faculty |
aOT: occupational therapy; PT: physiotherapy; MT: massage therapy