Cumulative trauma disorders: an ergonomic approach for prevention

Clinical practice can place the dental hygienist at risk of acquiring cumulative trauma disorders (CTD). This article describes causative factors of CTD and suggests implementation of ergonomic intervention--by way of clinical and environmental factors--as a method of preventing and/or reducing CTD in the workplace. Included is a chronology of the rehabilitation process of a dental hygienist who has been disabled by CTD. Observing this clinician's re-training process, which included utilizing an ergonomically designed operator chair, arm and wrist supports, and modification of operator positioning, prompted an investigation into strategies to prevent CTD. Ergonomic design and protective operator techniques in dental hygiene practice may be key to preventing and/or reducing CTD occurrence.