Break the Back?

“Suction please,” I requested my assistant.
“Air please,” I said again, anxious to finish the cavity preparation I was working on. Another patient was waiting, and I had a time crunch. Still, doing shoddy dental work was totally unacceptable. I needed a clear field of vision to remove all the caries.

To get that perfect view, I twisted and turned, angling my dental mirror in every possible way. The pressure was real. But at the back of my mind, one thing kept ringing—“Don’t break the back.”

My First Class I Restoration – The Beginning of Dental Ergonomics Awareness

Back in India, it was the day of my first Class I restoration. I was beyond excited!
Was this real? I was finally going to work on a natural tooth!

My patient, clueless that he was my guinea pig for the day, lay comfortably in the dental chair. I was keen to get it right. But what started as excitement quickly turned into a mini flood, thanks to the water from my handpiece. My patient and I both got an unexpected shower!

Back then, we didn’t wear face shields or safety glasses. So I was pretty sure that my water show had also showered me with some unwanted micro-friends.

Back to the prep. I needed to see what I was doing, and in my eagerness, I leaned dangerously close to the patient’s face.
SMACK! Something hit my shoulder.

It was my professor. He was standing behind me, giving me the worst stare possible.
“What are you doing, lady? Are you kissing the patient?”
I was embarrassed. I had wanted to be the best dental student from day one and impress him—not end up in trouble.

Lessons in Dental Posture That Stayed for Life

He saw my mortified face and mellowed down. Then he did something I still remember:
He sat in my chair, looked at my preparation, and said,
“Looks like you do have some talent.”
That was all I’d wanted to hear.

But then he continued:
“You can do better without breaking your back. It’s your first day in clinical dentistry. Learn it right.”

He turned the chair and showed me operator positioning in dentistry:
11 o’clock, 9 o’clock, 12 o’clock.
What once sounded like random timings now made total sense in the world of dentistry.

He had the best dental posture I’d ever seen, and it left a lasting impression.

Dental Ergonomics at NYU – A Serious Business

At NYU, we had an entire class dedicated to dental ergonomics and posture. I was surprised—and glad—that it was given more importance in the U.S. than in India.

Our professor had stealth photos of students doing clinical work without knowing they were being photographed. The photos were hilarious—and eye-opening. Everyone looked so focused on their work that they’d completely forgotten how they were sitting. From an outsider’s view, it was borderline absurd.

He told us, “Ergonomics is one of the most disregarded parts of dentistry.” He promised to check on us in clinics and help correct our posture. And he did.
When he approved mine, all I could think of was my Indian professor who gave me that shoulder smack.
He had unknowingly planted the seed of good ergonomics in my brain.

Don’t Wait for Pain to Learn the Right Posture

Many dental students ignore ergonomics until they experience pain. A few friends developed back, neck, or leg pain due to poor chair height or bad posture. Some were natural at getting it right, some needed reminders—and some needed smacking!

But what really worked long term were those stealth photos. No one wanted to be the laughing stock of the class. And so, everyone slowly got better.

Your Back is Your Career: Save It Before It’s Too Late

I never made it to those dental yoga sessions (yes, they’re a thing!). But I truly believe yoga can help improve flexibility and core strength—something every dentist needs.

One major thing that changed my life?
I invested in dental loupes.
Yes, it pinched my pocket—but it was 100% worth it. Better vision and better posture. Long-term win.

If you’re a dental student or a recent graduate, here’s my advice:

• Ask your friends to take candid pictures of you while working.
• See how your back, neck, and legs look in those images.
• Fix your posture before pain becomes your teacher.

Yoga is a mouse click away on YouTube.
Dental loupes are an investment worth making.

I know I don’t want to retire from clinical dentistry at 40 because of spinal issues.
How about you?

Author: Dr. Meenakshi Umapathy, a dedicated General Dentist, embarked on her professional journey in India before expanding her horizons in the United States. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the esteemed New York University College of Dentistry and now specializes in pediatric dentistry in Indiana. Since 2017, she has been a valued practitioner at Monarch Dental, bringing her expertise and compassionate care to young patients.

Through her evocative narratives, Dr. Umapathy shares her rich experiences practicing in both India and the U.S., offering profound insights into the evolving landscape of dentistry. Her blog, originally published on DentistryUnited.com in 2012, has been thoughtfully republished, ensuring that her wisdom continues to educate and inspire dental professionals and enthusiasts alike.