Hand Ergonomics: Including Equipment Recommendations and Corrective Exercises to Avoid Hand Pain – 5/31/22

Studies show that up to 69% of dental professionals suffer from musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the wrist and hand. This can have a significant impact not only on practitioners’ quality of life but on their ability to practice dentistry long term. While dental schools are now including courses in their curriculum on ergonomics, musculoskeletal disorders, and prevention of MSDs, dental professionals similarly need to learn how to avoid career-ending hand injuries. In this continuing education course, attendees will learn about common musculoskeletal disorders of the hand and wrist and how to prevent and/or address existing MSDs. Participants will also have a better understanding of proper dental ergonomics, learn about equipment design modifications and therapeutic exercises to help them practice without hand pain.

Biographies:

Dr. Noelle Santucci is an Associate Professor in the Department of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. Dr. Santucci received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene from Marquette University and her dental degree from the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. After completing her Advanced Education in Dentistry residency program, she received a Masters Degree in Educational Psychology and Counseling from the University of the Pacific Benerd School of Education. Along with private practice, she taught 1 day a week in the preclinical restorative course at The University of the Pacific. Over the past 10 years, she has integrated and course directed the International Dental Students restorative curriculum and the DDS preclinical restorative curriculum.

Dr. Santucci has authored two chapters in Esthetic Dentistry in Clinical Practice and has published articles on nutrition, omega-3 in oral and systemic health, and impression taking with the Isolite. She co-authored the research article “Dental and Physical Therapy Faculty Collaborate in Assessing and Educating Dental Students on Musculoskeletal Disorders”, which was published in the Journal of Dental Education. She is a Fellow in the Pierre Fauchard Academy and in the American College of Dentists.

Dr. Santucci has presented CE courses on nutrition, ergonomics, musculoskeletal disorders, clinical photography, and occlusion. She recently retired from private practice that she shared with her husband in Atherton, California.

Dr. Justin Jellin earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy at the University of the Pacific and has an undergraduate degree in Sports Sciences. In addition to clinical practice, he is the Program Director of RUNATOMY, a Running Gait Analysis Clinic at GSPORTS Physical Therapy in San Francisco. He has a special interest in sports medicine, especially cases that are interdisciplinarily complex.

Dr. Jellin is a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Diagnostic Sciences at the University of the Pacific, Dugoni School of Dentistry. He lectures to students, faculty, and staff on musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and ergonomics. Additionally, Dr. Jellin has presented numerous lectures to dentists and dental personnel on ergonomics, MSDs, and exercise to counteract the effects of incorrect postures. He co-authored the article “Dental and Physical Therapy Faculty Collaborate in Assessing and Educating Dental Students on Musculoskeletal Disorders” which was published in the Journal of Dental Education. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and contributes journal reviews for the Running Special Interest section of the APTA.