Analysis of the ergonomic impact of dental chairs on dental professionals through the application of Survey and Nielsen heuristics

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the issues involving the ergonomic risks to which dental professionals are exposed, considering that many dental professionals resort to physical therapy treatments in order to treat the recurrent pain of uncomfortable postures that are necessary to perform procedures during the work period. Based on this, an analysis was elaborated focusing on the ergonomics of the dental chair product, taking into account musculoskeletal pain cited by professionals in the area. The ergonomic analysis techniques used were the Nordic Questionnaire, the Borg Scale and the Nielsen Heuristics. The analysis of data from the Nordic Questionnaire and the Borg Scale showed that where pain most often occurs in dentists is in the neck, shoulders and lumbar spine. During the Nielsen Heuristics, points of usability improvement were also identified. At the end of the research, improvements were proposed for future models of dental chairs, and it was concluded that dentistry has a wide field of action for ergonomist professionals.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.56238/sevenIVmulti2023-026