Stool, expense or investment?

The best value of your clinic is your health and the health of your team. One of the most common work tools used by dental professionals is the stool. However, this indispensable equipment is often neglected during its selection or is not well adjusted. Here are answers to some ergonomics questions:

What type of stool to choose?
According to the recommendations of ergonomists specialized in the prevention of MSDs in dental clinics, a good clinical stool should have the following 3 main characteristics:

• A lumbar support that advances sufficiently to support the lumbar curvature in the working position;
• Adjustable back and seat angulation with two separate levers;
• A support to relieve the load in the upper body such as the movable elbow supports or an extended chest support for the assistants (Posiflex 8).

All Posiflex products are based on the ergonomic recommendations of the Association for Occupational Health and Safety (ASSTSAS)*.

Why is it important to have a lumbar support on your stool?
When performing precision work in a restricted area, it is difficult to keep the back straight, regardless of the type of stool used. Because of the effort required to control the movements, the back collapses and rolls forward, little by little. Even with the use of a saddle stool, whose seat shape helps to hold the pelvis straight, the lumbar lordosis collapses during the day. The backrest is therefore important to keep the lumbar curvature in place. Make sure your stool has a seat angle adjustment that moves far enough to support your lower back as often as possible.

Conventional stool or saddle stool? Which one to choose?
The shape of the seat is a very personal matter of comfort. Both types of stools are suitable, depending on your own level of body well-being. There are people who will be very comfortable on a saddle type seat and others who will not be able to bear this kind of shape. It should be noted that a saddle type seat requires a period of adaptation.

The new saddle stool from Posiflex has a lumbar support. The shape of the seat promotes ventilation and prevents compression of the pelvic floor. This stool is designed for tight spaces and the small seat prevents large gaps in the legs.

How to adjust the dental chair?
The position of the dental chair is decisive for your posture. It is recommended to adjust the dental chair to the level of your heart and as flat as possible. This higher position gives you space for your legs, brings you closer to the work area and at the same time, you see better in the mouth without having to flex your neck too much.

Why are elbow supports moving?
The Posiflex elbow support system was created to reduce the load on the upper body in order to promote good blood circulation. A scientific study has shown that the use of the Posiflex system contributes to a much more comfortable and safe working position while muscle contractions in the shoulders, neck and upper back are significantly reduced. This unique concept follows the natural movements of the body. The elbow supports allow adequate support of the arms while preserving the freedom of their horizontal movements.

Precision work requires a lot of concentration and effort. When you are focused on your task, you forget yourself. Elbow supports allow you to keep a good posture, because they will keep you focus!