Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: An Occupational Health Risk for Dental Hygienists

Details

• Personal Author:
  Henderson LA
• Description:
  Objective: The repetitious hand and wrist movements of dental hygienists' daily work activities place them at extremely high risk for CTS. Occupational health goals for CTS management in dental hygienists should be teaching and emphasizing prevention with ergonomics, early diagnosis of the disease, and high-quality treatment with an occupational focus. Methods: A literature review was completed that included systematic reviews of studies on the prevalence of CTS, occupational factors, dental ergonomics, and clinical management of the disease. Results: Dental Hygienists must take preventive ergonomic measures to protect their most valuable asset, their hands. Some occupational health measures for CTS prevention include: identifying existing medical predispositions, causes, and exacerbating activities. Ergonomic interventions include using: lighter weight, larger diameter, padded instruments; interchanging tools during repetitious activities; ergonomic work station design; optimal seat and mirror positioning; frequent hand rest breaks; and adequate lighting. Some non-operative treatment recommendations include: minimizing forceful and repetitious activities; 6 weeks of wearing a neutral positioned splint; not exceeding 4 steroid injections; and avoiding the use of opioids, laser therapy, muscle relaxants, opioids, diuretics, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Conclusion: CTS is an extremely complex illness to manage, especially in a field like dental hygiene where hand activities are the dominate practice. Occupational health is essential in keeping this population healthy, keeping them working, and keeping them in their profession. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Dental Offices Environmental Exposure Ergonomics Musculoskeletal Diseases Musculoskeletal System Occupational Health Preventive Medicine Risk Assessment Risk Factors Safety Workplace

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• Keywords:
  Author Keywords: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Carpal Tunnel Syndrome CTS Dental Hygiene Dentistry Dentists Exposure Levels Hand Injuries Hygienists MSD Musculoskeletal Disorders Occupational Illness Preventive Measures Protective Measures Risk Factors Safety Measures Work Environment Workers

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• Publisher:
  University of South Florida (USF)
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Grant
• Genre:
  Abstract or Summary
• Place as Subject:
  Florida ; OSHA Region 4
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Pages in Document:
  10
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20064158
• Citation:
  Sunshine ERC Research Poster Session/USF Health Research Day, February 20-22, 2014, Tampa, Florida. Tampa, FL: University of South Florida (USF), 2014 Feb; :10
• Contact Point Address:
  Lynn A. Henderson, USF Sunshine ERC Occupational Health Nursing Program
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2014
• Performing Organization:
  Sunshine Education and Research Center, University of South Florida
• Peer Reviewed:
  False
• Start Date:
  20050701
• Source Full Name:
  Sunshine ERC Research Poster Session/USF Health Research Day, February 20-22, 2014, Tampa, Florida
• End Date:
  20290630
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:16bbea4210c57fac40762b66523e8e5a29129559cb95c666b4a9bc2a6bde95588123e077818a14e585291248a34a5783d0a5a7fa9e60161be738e9dc34293f6a
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/222666/cdc_222666_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 181.26 KB ]