A Change Management Approach to Promoting and Endorsing Ergonomics within a Dental Setting

Rami J. Anshasi, Adi Alsyouf (), Fahad Nasser Alhazmi and Abeer Taha AbuZaitoun
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Rami J. Anshasi: Prosthodontics Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
Adi Alsyouf: Department of Managing Health Services and Hospitals, Faculty of Business Rabigh, College of Business (COB), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21991, Saudi Arabia
Fahad Nasser Alhazmi: Department of Health Services and Hospital Administration, Faculty of Economics and Administration, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
Abeer Taha AbuZaitoun: College of Dentistry, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 20, 1-14

Abstract: Musculoskeletal pain and disorders (MSDs) constitute a well-recognised occupational hazard to the dental community. Fortunately, they are preventable. Dental office ergonomics plays a key role in addressing these musculoskeletal challenges. An ergonomic improvement project based on Kotter’s eight-step change model management theory was implemented within a dental practice. The project provided valuable evidence-based ergonomic interventions to prevent or reduce MSDs. The task force motivated staff to engage in strategies and interventions to enact an ergonomic vision. This case study represents an action plan to guide this ergonomic change. The key results of this project were an evidence-based ergonomics health promotional brochure, reduced sick leave attributable to MSDs, and workplace ergonomic checkpoints. The ergonomic change model represents an ongoing process where innovative trends and evaluative methods can be supported. Research limitations and practical implications were acknowledged.

Keywords: ergonomics; dentistry; musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs); static posture; risk factors; Kotter change model (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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