Can you practice dentistry standing up? Friend broke his back. Should he still go into dentistry?

[PreMedBlogger]

I have a pre-dental friend who just graduated from a top university. He was in the process of applying to dental schools but unfortunately had an accident and broke his back (spine compression fracture). It has fully healed but he now finds it uncomfortable (and sometimes painful) to sit for long periods of time. He is wondering if he can become a dentist by doing all of the dental work in the standing position. Standing is no problem for him; it is sitting that bothers him a lot.

Should he still apply to dental school and become a dentist? Can he go into any specialties where there is little to no sitting dental work involved? Is there a specialty like this (orthodontics)? Can he have a standing dental practice or would that be impractical?

He is considering continuing applying to dental school vs. applying to medicine instead. Any thoughts/advice/suggestions?

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[cooliyak]

I have a pre-dental friend who just graduated from a top university. He was in the process of applying to dental schools but unfortunately had an accident and broke his back (spine compression fracture). It has fully healed but he now finds it uncomfortable (and sometimes painful) to sit for long periods of time. He is wondering if he can become a dentist by doing all of the dental work in the standing position. Standing is no problem for him; it is sitting that bothers him a lot.

Should he still apply to dental school and become a dentist? Can he go into any specialties where there is little to no sitting dental work involved? Is there a specialty like this (orthodontics)? Can he have a standing dental practice or would that be impractical?

He is considering continuing applying to dental school vs. applying to medicine instead. Any thoughts/advice/suggestions?

Practicing standing up is no problem. I know a bunch of dentists who prefer it. For me, it depends on which op I’m in, what procedure I’m doing, and what mood I’m in. It is the schooling (8+ hours in a classroom) that may be more difficult. At least for the first 1-2 years.

 

[321931]

Your back your life. 9/12 clock sitting down has been shown to be the best ergonomics for dentistry.

You can practice standing up, sideways, upside down. You can also run with flip flops, Nike’s, construction toed shoes and barefoot.

Your life your call. You are a big guy and use your brain But if I was going to make a 30 year career of dentistry or be a marathon runner for life, I would take care of myself.

Dentistry and back issues is the one of the number one reason why dentists quit, retire early or cut back on hours. For those saying meh whatever back is nothing and I stand up doing dentistry- back issues is one of the most frustrating and debilitating injury’s. You just don’t know how much it sucks until you actually get it.

 

[Streax1]

I would also consider the fact that it may be difficult getting disability insurance with such a severe pre-existing condition.

 

[Velma Dinkley]

Sure he can, why not? Just raise the chair up as needed. If he's comfortable standing and wears good loupes I don't see why not. If he still finds that uncomfortable, there's options in public health, consulting, and teaching as well.

 

[FutureDent020]

I would also consider the fact that it may be difficult getting disability insurance with such a severe pre-existing condition.

He can get disability, they just won’t cover ANYTHING that may be associated with his previous injury. But he’d still want to cover his hands, eyes, mind, etc...

 

[WingZeroM3]

I stand up 99% of the time...doing general dentistry. I love standing up. I have the best access!!! Direct vision vs indirect vision.
So your friend shouldnt have any issues!

 

[321931]

I stand up 99% of the time...doing general dentistry. I love standing up. I have the best access!!! Direct vision vs indirect vision.
So your friend shouldnt have any issues!

How long have you been practicing? I did a 17 crown prep today and had to do it standing up/hunched over on a patient who couldn’t open/big tongue/cheek etc.

My back after that appointment felt on fire. It felt like I worked for 2 years on one appointment.

If you honestly have been doing dentistry standing up for 10 years... I mean that’s great. But there’s a reason why ergonomics are stressed in dental school because it will catch up to you and most likely shorten your career with a back injury. Sort of like saying “I eat McDonald’s everyday and I’m fine!” But when you turn 40-50 everything will catch up to you healthwise.

Anyways best of luck with your back.

 

[TanMan]

How long have you been practicing? I did a 17 crown prep today and had to do it standing up/hunched over on a patient who couldn’t open/big tongue/cheek etc.

My back after that appointment felt on fire. It felt like I worked for 2 years on one appointment.

If you honestly have been doing dentistry standing up for 10 years... I mean that’s great. But there’s a reason why ergonomics are stressed in dental school because it will catch up to you and most likely shorten your career with a back injury. Sort of like saying “I eat McDonald’s everyday and I’m fine!” But when you turn 40-50 everything will catch up to you healthwise.

Anyways best of luck with your back.

You're probably not used to it, but was it your upper or lower back? Standing up, for me at least, saves my lower back, hurts the upper back.

That's why you gotta get out by 40 too 🙂

 

[cooliyak]

How long have you been practicing? I did a 17 crown prep today and had to do it standing up/hunched over on a patient who couldn’t open/big tongue/cheek etc.

My back after that appointment felt on fire. It felt like I worked for 2 years on one appointment.

If you honestly have been doing dentistry standing up for 10 years... I mean that’s great. But there’s a reason why ergonomics are stressed in dental school because it will catch up to you and most likely shorten your career with a back injury. Sort of like saying “I eat McDonald’s everyday and I’m fine!” But when you turn 40-50 everything will catch up to you healthwise.

Anyways best of luck with your back.

If ergonomics is just never doing a crown on 17, I’ve got a long, pain-free career ahead of me.

 

[WingZeroM3]

How long have you been practicing? I did a 17 crown prep today and had to do it standing up/hunched over on a patient who couldn’t open/big tongue/cheek etc.

My back after that appointment felt on fire. It felt like I worked for 2 years on one appointment.

If you honestly have been doing dentistry standing up for 10 years... I mean that’s great. But there’s a reason why ergonomics are stressed in dental school because it will catch up to you and most likely shorten your career with a back injury. Sort of like saying “I eat McDonald’s everyday and I’m fine!” But when you turn 40-50 everything will catch up to you healthwise.

Anyways best of luck with your back.

Rainee, I have been practicing for 10 years. I started standing up while in GPR residency...Assistant thought I was crazy... but the OMFS residency and GPR residency program share the same clinic. I would jump from the OMS side, doing an extractions (standing up)...because that's how the rooms are set up, to the GPR side to do restorative. . I felt the operator stool got in my way...as I was jumping back and forth...

When I transition to private practice.......I started sitting down again....back straight...all the stuff they preached in dental school. The moment I ran behind...I was standing up again.

Today...all my procedures were completed standing up.

You are absolutely correct.....I may regret this decision when I hit 40,50,60....

Cheers

 

[TanMan]

Sitting through classes during dental school may be a bigger problem for his back.

Don't go to classes. Problem solved!

 

[pubhealthdent]

Once you're out of dental school, stand up all you want. But sitting through lectures and sim lab (our mannequins won't raise up that high) would be the rough part.

I stand about 50% of the time. Stand for OS, exams, hygiene checks, denture appointments, and some operative. Sit for endo, fixed prosth, and most operative.