Evaluation of a new ergonomic position for the operator/clinicians for the extraction of mandibular right posterior molar teeth

Aims: This study aimed to assess and compare the feasibility of this new ergonomic position (2'o clock or left rear position) with conventional (12'o clock) position in the exodontia of the mandibular right posterior (MRP) teeth (second and third molars) among right-handed operators. Materials and Methods: An observational questionnaire study was conducted among dental students, faculty, postgraduates, and private practitioners. A self-administered questionnaire which evaluated eight domains, namely, posture of the operator, visibility of the teeth being extracted, fatigue to the operator, accessibility to the teeth being extracted, grasp of the molar teeth, delivery of force, retraction of cheeks, and difficulty in extraction were distributed to the operators. All the items in the questionnaire were based on visual analog scale. Results: A total of 63 operators have completed the study out of which 60.3% were females. The mean age of the participant was 25.63 ± 6.41 years. All the parameters have shown that the mean scores were significantly higher for 2'o clock than 12'o clock positions (P < 0.001), respectively. Conclusion: The new operator position (2'o clock) was more acceptable among the dentists for the extraction of MRP molar teeth.