Incorporating Ergonomics Into Dental Practice Design

When it comes to planning a new dental practice, or refurbishing an existing environment, design aesthetics and clinical function are typically top of mind. 

However, with research indicating that over 50 per cent of dentists experience lower back pain over the course of their career, the importance of incorporating ergonomics in the design of a dental practice environment cannot be understated. 

Configuring Your Floorplan

The Elite team have a thorough understanding of how dentists work. We use this knowledge to design your dental practice floorplan to achieve functional balance, incorporating clinical function, technology integration and ergonomics. 

By understanding your practice traffic and workflow, all areas – including clinical, public and staff areas – can be appropriately sized for optimum function based on purpose of the space, the number of occupiers, and future expansion.  This allows for realistic spatial allowances in treatment rooms to enable dentists and staff to move freely. It also enables optimal placement of equipment.

Optimising Your Equipment Choice And Location

Many dentists find themselves adjusting their bodies to fit their work practices.  By considering ergonomics in equipment selection and placement, you can achieve complete freedom of movement and deliver easy access to instruments. This greatly reduces the risk of musculoskeletal pain.  Ergonomic equipment options are becoming more widely available and affordable.  Some of the most popular options include: operator stools with tilting backrests for better postural alignment; patient chairs with narrow upper backrests to allow closer access for both dentists and assistants; and delivery systems with easy retrieve and return handpieces that eliminate pull-back, resulting in reduced fatigue.

Find Out More

Incorporating good ergonomic design in the planning of your dental practice not only facilitates better health for staff. It also drives increased productivity and patient satisfaction.

Contact the Elite Fitout Solutions team to discuss how you can incorporate ergonomically-positive choices into your new dental practice environment.