The aim of this study was to determine the impact of inter-professional teaching on the application of ergonomic operator and patient positioning. A randomized case-control study was conducted with 83 first-year dental students at the UNC Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry. Forty-nine percent (n=41) of the students solicited participated. All students participated in a didactic lecture on ergonomics, along with a pre-clinical practice session with peer patients. During the clinical practice session students in the case group received ten minutes of one-on-one individualized instruction. Two weeks later, all students were assessed using a rubric on operator and patient positioning, while simulating restorative work. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups with respect to the composite ergonomic compliance score (p=0.005), operator shoulder abduction position (p=0.03), and lateral flexion of the spinal column (p=0.02). Hands-on individualized instruction positively effects ergonomic compliance. v TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES………………………………….…………………………………………….vi LIST OF FIGURES…………………………………………………………………………..….vii
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