CDA Essentials 2019 • Volume 6 • Issue 3

Dr. Lance Rucker Professor emeritus, faculty of dentistry, University of British Columbia and dental clinical ergonomics expert. SCENARIO Some teammembers say they are experiencing work-related aches and pains that weren’t present before. How would you handle this situation? Y ou recently purchased an existing practice. Last week, your office manager mentioned that your assistants have been complaining that they find it difficult to work with you. You are surprised to hear this as you thought the chemistry between you and the team has been great so far. The office manager clarifies that they don’t have any issues with you personally, the quality of care you provide or your rapport with them or the patients. But they find it physically difficult to work with you because of how you position the patient. Your assistants range in height from 5’6” to 5’9” and you are 5’2”. Because you sit much lower than the previous owner (who was 6’2”), the assistants are noticing that their backs and necks are hurting; pains they did not experience with the previous dentist. You consider this information and explain to the office manager that while this is possible, the assistants may not be positioning themselves or their chairs appropriately to accommodate the difference in height between you and your predecessor. You both decide that this will be the main topic of discussion at tomorrow’s staff meeting. What factors should the dentist consider before meeting with staff to discuss dental ergonomics and its impact on the health of clinicians? We asked Dr. Lance Rucker, professor emeritus in the faculty of dentistry at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and dental clinical ergonomics expert, for his insights. • Healthy Workplace Series • 31 Issue 3 | 2019 | I ssues and P eople