PRINCIPLE #3
Focus on access to the oral cavity |
Incorrect
 Correct |
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It is important to work with elbows bent at 90 degrees with hands, wrists, and arms in a straight line |
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Maintain good neck posture with eyes looking straight ahead. |
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The backrest of the patient chair should be designed to permit some side-to-side movement of the patient. |
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A magnetic headrest pillow allows easy manipulation of the patient's head. With a slight movement of the oral cavity (see left photo), the operator can avoid unnecessary twisting and leaning (see right photo). |
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Lighting is critical. Good illumination of the oral cavity reduces eye strain and minimizes the need to lean or twist to see the work area. |
ISSUES: Dental chairs with concave backrests and headrests can lock the patient in the centerline of the chair. This forces the operator to lean or stretch to see some areas of the oral cavity |
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| Principle #1 | Principle #2 | Principle #3 |
