Correction and optimization of ergonomic work patterns of dentists

Abstract

Annotation. Work ergonomics is a fundamental factor in the high-quality and successful daily work of dentists. Non-observance of the basic aspects of ergonomics leads to the deterioration of treatment results, an increase in the number of complications, an increase in energy and time spent on the treatment, and the occurrence of violations in the physical and psycho-emotional health of the doctor. The purpose of the work is to optimize the ergonomic work patterns of dentists by developing an algorithm for individualized correction of the ergonomic component of work using the possibilities of modelling the spatial relationships of the components in the projection of the working field and considering the topographic affiliation of different groups of teeth. 20 dentists and 12 interns participated in the study, from which two groups were formed – the research group and the control group. The ergonomic components of the work of dentists were evaluated according to the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) criteria. Mathematical analysis and verification of the reliability of the results, as well as the calculation of possible errors, were carried out on the basis of the software “Statistica 6.0” (STATISTICA) and Microsoft Office Excel 2007 (Microsoft Office). Based on the results of the study, a discrete-event simulation of the work cycle of endodontic treatment was carried out, after which an individualized protocol for optimizing the ergonomic components of each doctor's work was formed. As a result of the study, an evaluation of the effectiveness of using the developed ergonomics correction algorithm in the practice of doctors during root canal treatment and an analysis of changes in the structure of the distribution of errors and complications under the conditions of optimization of ergonomic components in accordance with adapted recommendations was carried out. Statistical interdependencies between ergonomic factors and treatment complications were revealed. The implementation of individualized protocols for the correction of ergonomic components in the process of endodontic treatment helps to reduce the frequency of errors and complications.