Does an Ergonomic Dentist Stool Design Have a Positive Impact on Musculoskeletal Health During Intraoral Scans and Tooth Preparation?

This article investigates the impact of an ergonomically designed dentist stool on muscle activity and fatigue during dental procedures, specifically intraoral scanning and tooth preparation. Using surface electromyography (EMG) on 14 dentists, the study found that the ergonomically designed stool—with features such as a saddle-type seat, adjustable backrest, and arm support—significantly reduced activity and fatigue in the trapezius descendens muscle compared to a conventional stool. Most muscles showed moderate ergonomic risk regardless of stool type, but the ergonomic stool helped maintain better posture and decreased muscle strain, suggesting its potential to reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in dentists. The authors recommend further long-term clinical trials with larger samples to confirm these findings and assess effects on additional muscle groups.