should then slowly lower the weight down back to the starting position (Figure 1A) so that another repetition may be initiated. Figures 2A and 2B (page 16) demonstrate forearm flexion. In this exer- cise, the wrist is supinated, and the dorsal of the forearm should be laying flat on the surface with the load grasped and the wrist in extension, as in Figure 2A. Initiate the movement by flexing the wrist upward, once the full range of motion has been achieved (Figure 2B), lower the load back down to the start position, and another repetition may be initiated.7 These exercises can also be performed at home using dumbbells or resistance bands. Research shows that study participants who regu- larly performed these exercises increased grip strength and noted a decrease in their self-rated pain perception of up to 40%.5,7 NECK AND SHOULDER PAIN Dental hygienists are at risk for pain in the neck and shoulder areas due to the strenuous neck positions required during patient care such as needing to hold a static position for extended periods and perform- ing tasks that cause excessive flexion of the neck.1–3 Both of these scenarios create a disproportionate load on the clinician’s neck and, over time, may cause chronic MSD- related pain. To strengthen the neck, dental hygienists may try forward and back- ward bending of neck (extension [Figure 3, page 16] and flexion) and lat- FIGURE 1A. IN THE STARTING POSITION FOR WRIST EXTENSION, THE WRIST IS PRONATED AND FLEXED WHILE TRYING TO KEEP THE FOREARM AS FLAT ON THE SURFACE AS POSSIBLE. FIGURE 1B. ONCE THE WRIST HAS CONTRACTED AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, RETURN THE LOAD BACK TO THE STARTING POSITION TO RESTART THE REPETITION AGAIN. XIAO-QING FUNG, RDH, BS, is a clinical instructor in the Department of Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting at New York University College of Dentistry. He also works at the college’s Brooklyn Patient Care facility, primarily mentoring second-year dental hygiene students while they complete their rotations. dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com January/February 2024 • Dimensions OF DENTAL HYGIENE 15 Circle 3 on card ORASOOTHE® ORAL COATING RINSES are FDA cleared hydrogel oral wound dressings made from only 7 all-natural, non-toxic, food based ingredients Chlorhexidine rinses have long been a standard of care for creating an aseptic environment pre/post-procedures, reducing inflammation, and treating gingivitis and minor oral wounds. CHLORHEXIDINE Research has shown Chlorhexidine can cause damage to gingival fibroblasts, gingival epithelial cells, periodontal ligament cells, cultured alveolar bone cells, and osteoblastic cells – ultimately prolonging post-op healing.1 AGAINST CHLORHEXIDINE OraSoothe® Oral Coating Rinses provide a safe alternative to Chlorhexidine - while offering pain relief, wound protection, and immediate antimicrobial defense. WOUND PROTECTION & PAIN RELIEF ORASOOTHE “Sockit” Gel Syringe (5pk): 01S0600 ORASOOTHE “Sockit” Gel Syringe (25pk): 01S0610 ORASOOTHE Oral Coating Rinse 3.4oz – Professional: 01S06020 ORASOOTHE Oral Coating Rinse 3.4oz – Hygiene: 01S06030 OR hyd no CHLORHEXIDINE AG CH Offers valid January 1 through February 29, 2024. Not to be combined with any other offers and are subject to change. Promotional offers are stocked and shipped with your order by your dealer. Questions about Septodont products? Call our friendly customer service team at 800-872-8305 or visit septodontusa.com to learn more. 1. Pucher, J. J., & Daniel, C. (1992). The effects of chlorhexidine digluconate on human fibroblasts invitro. Journal of periodontology,63(6), 526-532.Liu, J. X., Werner, J., Kirsch, T., Zuckerman, J. D., and Virk, M. S. :Cytotoxicity evaluation of chlorhexidine gluconate on human fibroblasts, myoblasts, and osteoblasts, J. Bone Joint Infect., 3,165–172, https://doi.org/10.7150/jbji.26355,2018.
