April 23, 2012

Bethany Valachi

Neck, Back & Beyond: Preventing Pain for Peak Productivity

Did you know? Nearly one-third of dentists who retire early are forced to, due to a musculoskeletal disorder

This ground-breaking seminar for dentists and specialists bridges the gap between dental ergonomics and work-related pain so you can work more comfortably, productively and with less fatigue. Delivered with high energy and humor, you’ll discover how dentistry, equipment selection, patient positioning, exercise, stress and other factors are affecting your physical health. Learn how to implement powerful research-based strategies, both in the operatory and at home, to reduce work-related pain, prevent injury and increase career longevity.

Course Objectives

At the conclusion of the program, participants will be able to:

• Identify and implement appropriate interventions for chronic back, neck shoulder, hand or wrist pain
• Describe ergonomic challenges and pain syndromes unique to orthodontists, periodontists, endodontists, prosthodontists and other specialists.
• TPosition patients correctly depending upon arch and tooth surface being treated.
• Discuss new developments, ergonomic usage and modifi cations in dental microscopes.
• Make basic ergonomic modifi cations to existing operatories with minimal expense.
• Identify the criteria for selecting and adjusting operator stool, patient chair, delivery systems and loupes.
• Implement chairside stretching to prevent muscle imbalances.
• Identify the 4 pain syndromes that can mimic carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Determine which exercises can either benefi t or worsen dental professional’s health.
• Self-manage painful trigger points.

Biographical Sketch

Bethany Valachi, PT, MS, CEAS is recognized as a leading international dental ergonomic expert, and is author of the book, “Practice Dentistry Pain-Free: Evidence-based Strategies to Prevent Pain and Extend Your Career”. She is a physical therapist, dental ergonomic consultant and CEO of Posturedontics®, a company that provides research-based dental ergonomic education and evaluated dental ergonomic products. Clinical instructor of ergonomics at OHSU School of Dentistry in Portland, Oregon, Bethany has provided expertise on dental ergonomics to numerous practicing clinicians and schools, including faculty training at NYU College of Dentistry. She lectures internationally and was invited to speak at the 2009 International Dental Ergonomics Congress in Krakow, Poland.

She is ergonomic columnist for Dental Economics journal, and has been published in many peer-reviewed dental journals, including the Journal of the American Dental Association, Contemporary Oral Hygiene, Australian Dental Practice and others. Bethany has produced exercise videos specifi cally for dental professionals. She offers a wealth of dental ergonomic resources, including books, DVDs, free newsletter and dental product reviews on her website at www.posturedontics.com.