Santrauka:
Ergonomika odontologijoje apima darbo organizavimo aspektus ir metodus, kuriais vadovaujantis darbas būtų kokybiškas ir efektyvus, gydytojas juo būtų patenkintas ir išvengtų galimų sveikatos sutrikimus sąlygojančių rizikos veiksnių. Ergonomika ypač svarbi odontologo padėjėjo darbe, norint efektyvesnio darbo, geresnių ir greitesnių rezultatų, išvengti traumų: nugaros, pečių juostos, juosmens sričių pažeidimo bei skausmo. Pagrindinis šio darbo tikslas – įvertinti gydytojo odontologo padėjėjų žinias apie ergonomikos principus ir jų sąsajas su sveikata
Description:
Ergonomics is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance (Gupta, 2011). Ergonomics in dentistry covers the aspects of work organization and methods that would lead to quality and efficiency in the work, and the doctor would be satisfied with it and avoid the possible risk factors for health problems (Narbutaitė, 2008). Ergonomics is particularly important in dental assistant work to ensure more effective work, better and faster results, less trauma: back, shoulder straps, lumbar spine injuries and pain (Lukoševičiūtė ir Bušauskas, 2008). The main purpose of this work is to evaluate the knowledge of the dental assistants about the principles of ergonomics and their relation to health. In the theoretical part, the analysis of scientific and professional literature was carried out with the aim of defining the ergonomic requirements of the dental office and its equipment, describing the proper position of the specialist in the work area, distinguishing the health disorders of the dentist's assistants without complying with the requirements of ergonomics and identifying the methods of prevention. Also, the questionnaire was created to identify the knowledge of the dental assistants about the principles of the ergonomics and their relation to health. 100 respondents participated in the study, the main criterion being specialists that work as a dental assistant. The questionnaire consists of 21 closed questions with the answers given. Analyzing the results of the study, it was possible to draw the conclusions: the majority of dental assistants evaluate their workplace and the ergonomics of the equipment in it positively, but to be at the highest level of dental cabinet ergonomics, many specialists missed more modern, more human health aimed assistant’s and patient’s chairs or cabinet layout, which increase productivity. In terms of ergonomic knowledge of dental assistants, almost all the specialists have shown excellent competence, but only half of the respondents actually adapt it to work practice. This is evidenced by the results of the questionnaire, which suggest that more than half of the specialists spend most of their working time in the sitting position, rarely changing it, using a health-harmful instruments’ organization in the work area. Although the average age of the respondents and their length of service is low, almost all dental assistants experience back, waist, eye pain and fatigue. These health problems are due to poor ergonomic application of practical knowledge, low rest and rarely performed physical exercises throughout the work day.