Open AccessA METHODOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK FOR RESEARCH OF ERGONOMIC RISK FACTORS IN DENTISTRY
Author(s) -
Bojan Bijelić,
Miroljub Grozdanović,
Evica Stojiljković
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
facta universitatis. series: working and living environmental protection/facta universitatis. series: working and living environmental protection
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2406-0534
pISSN - 0354-804X
DOI - 10.22190/fuwlep2102069b
Subject(s) - human factors and ergonomics , work (physics) , dental practice , dental equipment , risk assessment , risk analysis (engineering) , dentistry , medicine , computer science , engineering , poison control , medical emergency , mechanical engineering , computer security
This paper proposes a methodological framework for the research of ergonomic risk factors in dentistry, since this is a profession with very specific and complex ergonomic challenges. When analyzing ergonomic risk factors in dental practice, three separate entities should be taken into account: the dentist, as the central figure in the office; the dental office equipment, which includes all the instruments and devices, dental chair and dentist stool; and the dental office, including the workplace layout and the working conditions. Bearing in mind that it is impossible to eliminate the risk, systematic analysis of ergonomic risk factors enabled us to propose solutions for its reduction. Risk reduction improves dentists’ work ability and working conditions in the dental office and contributes to a more humane, i.e., more functional design of dental equipment.