Dentistry

Dentists regularly find themselves in awkward positions on a daily basis potentially causing unnecessary long term problems. The Alexander Technique can help pain control, prevention and stress relief, all of which can occur in a dentist’s life and can even contribute to taking early retirement.


According to Dr Juanita Benedict from Healthy Solutions for Dental Professionals:

  • 80% of dentists practice in pain. 
  • 94% of dental hygienists practice in pain.
  • 38% of dentists have neck pain.
  • 67% of dental hygienists report wrist pain.

 Dentist, and Alexander Technique teacher, Dr Aniko Ball (Optimum Dental Posture) discusses how inner ergonomic principles can help overcome and prevent pain in the dental profession in this Noobie Dentist podcast:

Dentist's Provident

Dentists’ Provident, the UKs largest health insurer for the dental profession recommends the Alexander Technique. Their claims statistics show that over the last five years almost one in three claims paid to members were for musculoskeletal issues, and in 2013 there was an increase on 2012 with both men and women. These included general back pain, lumbar problems, spondylitis, sciatica and prolapsed discs.

 

Dentists Provident have invited all their members to get involved with the Alexander Technique with a special offer if they block book a series of ten lessons, then they receive one lesson free. This is part of the member support services that Dentists Provident is offering their members to help them try to achieve a healthy and pain free practising life as well as supporting their lifestyles outside of the surgery. 

Clinically Proven

The Alexander Technique has been clinically proven for back pain with NHS funded gold standard randomised trials, which were published in the British Medical Journal, and is recommended by backcare.org.uk

Alexander Technique and dentists
Working in awkward positions takes it's toll

Photograph: Anna Jurkovska/Shutterstock