Project number
25510
Organization
Tucson Biological Dentistry
Offering
ENGR498-S2025-F2025
Dental professionals frequently experience hand and wrist fatigue from repetitive motions and
instruments lacking ergonomic design. These strainful motions place significant stress on ligaments and tendons within the hand, with nearly one in three professionals developing musculoskeletal disorders such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome over the course of their careers. This project presents redesigned dental instruments as an engineering solution to reduce fatigue and improve ergonomics.
The team redesigned three commonly used dental instruments to feature enlarged grip diameters, fabrication with lighter polymer materials, and engraved textures to improve grip. CAD modeling and finite element analysis guided the design process, while 3D printing enabled prototyping and iteration. Prototypes were tested during simulated procedures using electromyography and data analysis to assess grip force and muscle activity. Results showed reductions in pinch force, hand strain, and overall muscle activation compared to traditional dental instruments, demonstrating the potential of engineering design to extend the careers of dental professionals.
instruments lacking ergonomic design. These strainful motions place significant stress on ligaments and tendons within the hand, with nearly one in three professionals developing musculoskeletal disorders such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome over the course of their careers. This project presents redesigned dental instruments as an engineering solution to reduce fatigue and improve ergonomics.
The team redesigned three commonly used dental instruments to feature enlarged grip diameters, fabrication with lighter polymer materials, and engraved textures to improve grip. CAD modeling and finite element analysis guided the design process, while 3D printing enabled prototyping and iteration. Prototypes were tested during simulated procedures using electromyography and data analysis to assess grip force and muscle activity. Results showed reductions in pinch force, hand strain, and overall muscle activation compared to traditional dental instruments, demonstrating the potential of engineering design to extend the careers of dental professionals.