Learning Objectives: 

• Identify hand instrument designs that are specific to certain tasks and areas while maintaining ergonomic principles and reducing pinch forces
• Differentiate power insert designs that facilitate improved biofilm removal and ergonomic functionality of instrumentation
• Describe body positioning to enhance ergonomic posture and reduce repetitive motion disorders.

Take the kinks out of your daily practice and find a healthy way to practice.  This course will reveal ways to lessen the risk of muscle and joint injuries caused by strenuous, often repetitive work.  Combining lecture with hands-on work stations, ergonomic solutions ranging from body mechanics to implications of hand and power instrument design will be demonstrated.   Operatory and procedural ergonomic modifications, both quick fixes and longer term solutions, will be shared – these can help “take out the kinks” experienced in daily clinical practice and result in a safe and comfortable practice environment.