Managing and Preventing Musculoskeletal Pain in the Dental Profession
Saturday, July 19, 2025
9:00 – 11:00 AM
In-person, TCDS Boardroom
2 CE Credits
Min Upton, DDS, MS, CEAS, RYT
Dr. Upton received her M.S. in Oral Sciences from SUNY and her D.D.S. from Loma Linda University. She practiced general dentistry for 30 years. Due to injury from a near-fatal car accident, she experienced neck, shoulder, and back pain but continued to practice dentistry. After years of ongoing treatments in all modalities, she realized that they provided only temporary relief as her pain worsened. She then researched “work-related pain in dentistry,” studied ergonomics, posture, and movement, and became a Certified Ergonomics Assessment Specialist and later a Healthcare Ergonomic Assessment Specialist. She continues applying posture awareness in her dentistry practice and her daily activities. She maintains a home exercise routine to prevent her symptoms from recurring. She also practices yoga daily and is a Certified Yoga Teacher. Dr. Upton’s goal is to share what she has learned from managing her own pain and help other dental professionals optimize musculoskeletal health while practicing dentistry and living their best, pain-free lives.
Course Synopsis:
Occupational pain among dental professionals is a widespread problem that
adversely affects our careers and daily lives. As a practicing dentist recovering
from disabling pain, I will share my journey to wellness and my findings from
extensive research. In part 2 of the Ergonomics and Wellness in Dentistry, we will
review common musculoskeletal disorders in dentistry and prevention strategies.
More importantly, we will actively engage in discussions and exercises, making
this a hands-on learning experience. This includes understanding ergonomics in
the operatory, such as enhanced visualization, operatory layout, chair and
equipment design, and operator and patient positioning. You will participate in
stretching and strengthening exercises and leave with a plan to prevent and
recover from work-related pain and fatigue while optimizing career longevity.
Course Objectives:
- Identify the most common musculoskeletal disorders in dentistry and
associate awkward postures.
- Understand how prolonged static posture causes muscle imbalances,
leading to pain syndromes in dental professionals.
- Learn steps to prevent and reduce work-related injuries.
- Compare ergonomic features of dental equipment and technology.
- Learn and practice simple stretching and strengthening exercises to
optimize musculoskeletal health.