Dr Anikó Ball

B.D.Sc.(Melb), Dip. Clin. Hypnosis, Adv. Dip. Alexander Studies, Certified Alexander Teacher, Founder Optimum Dental Posture

Practising for over thirty years, Anikó suffered frequent neck, back and shoulder pain. Doctors and physical therapists offered short-term symptom relief without identifying her condition as work related. 

Eventually Anikó was helped by the Inner Ergonomic principles of the Alexander Technique. She recognized and changed harmful work-postures, learned about biomechanical design and got well. 

With the intention of saving her colleagues from suffering, Anikó undertook a 1600-hour in-person training course at the Melbourne Alexander School and founded Optimum Dental Posture. 

Anikó’s mission is to reduce the incidence of occupational chronic pain in dentistry. She has been a presenter at ADA Congresses and CPD courses. She runs 2-day Ergonomics & Wellness in Dentistry Workshops and In-practice Team Training Programs around Australia and New Zealand. 

Anikó’s vision is to introduce Inner Ergonomic Training at the undergraduate level as a preventive measure to reduce the risk of occupational musculoskeletal disorders.

Presentation

Optional Workshop - Thursday 21 Sept

Ergonomics & Wellness for Hygienists

The workshop will be interactive and include practical demonstrations. It will set you on the path to career longevity and improved life quality.


Worldwide research shows an alarming incidence of occupational chronic pain in the hygiene profession, forcing many to reduce work hours and contemplate a career change.

Ergonomic research has focused on the dental working environment – the Outer Ergonomics – equipment, instruments, and surgery layout. These are very important considerations, however the clinician’s efficiency in posture and movement – the Inner Ergonomics – has been overlooked.

 

How clinicians sit on their stool and bend over the patient chair is as important as the stool and chair design. The way instruments are held is as important as the shape and weight of the instrument.

 

Unfortunately, Inner Ergonomic training is not part of undergraduate curriculums. Harmful work posture habits begin when students start treating patients.

 

Hygienists need to know that some joints are intended for bending while others are not, especially for prolonged periods during treatment.

 

The following topics will be covered:

 

  • Cumulative trauma – why there is an alarming incidence of occupational chronic pain
  • Inner & Outer Ergonomics
  • Biomechanical design principles applied to the clinic & daily life
  • Optimal work postures
  • Postural awareness
  • Habit change
  • The Active Rest – a restorative procedure for wellness

 

Learning objectives:

 

  • Understanding why occupational chronic pain is a significant health issue for hygienists
  • Recognition of harmful habitual work postures
  • Learning how to look into patients’ mouths and how to hold instruments with reduced risk of chronic pain
  • Understanding the power of habit and how to change harmful habitual postures
  • Learning the Active Rest