Affiliations: Division of Dental Hygiene both at the University of
Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Melanie Simmer-Beck, Assistant
Professor, Division of Dental Hygiene, University of Missouri-Kansas City,
School of Dentistry, 650 E. 25th Street, Room 415, Kansas City, MO 64108-2784,
USA. Tel.: +1 816 235 2050; Fax: +1 816 235 2157; E-mail:
[email protected]
Abstract: Objectives: The purpose of this paper is to describe the research
identifying dental hygiene risk factors, outline the structural characteristics
of the various tools that dental hygienists use and discuss the evidence to
support ergonomic tool re-designs. Methods: Two databases, Medline and Cinahl, were used to identify
epidemiological research studies from 1998--2008 that describe the prevalence
of musculoskeletal disorders in dental hygienists. The length, diameter, mass
and padding of twenty-one (n=21) dental instruments and instrument grip
combinations and twenty-two (n=22) mirrors and mirror grip combinations are
described. Results: The length, mass and diameter of dental instruments and
dental mirrors ranged from 16.3 cm to 17.5 cm and 15.9 cm to 18.5 cm, from 10.0
g to 25.0 g and 5.0 g to 30.0 g, and from 6.5 mm to 11 mm and 6 mm to 14 mm,
respectively. Padding instruments and mirrors increased the mass by
approximately 5.0 g. The literature does not suggest an optimal length for
dental instruments or dental mirrors. The literature suggests that the optimal
diameter for dental instruments and mirrors is at least 10 mm, the optimal
weight is 15.0 g or less, and padding decreases muscle activity. Conclusions: Dental hygienists should be educated to select a
variety of instrument handles based upon the parameters described above.
