Having detailed clinical notes after every appointment is a non-negotiable part of the job. But over time, hours of writing notes can lead to serious musculoskeletal issues, including repetitive strain injury (RSI) and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
One benefit we hear from Kiroku customers is that taking notes with their voice or by clicking templates helps with issues that would otherwise be exacerbated by handwriting or typing their dental notes.
The Hidden Strain of Note-Taking
Dentists spend a significant portion of their workday completing patient records, whether through typing or handwriting. This repetitive motion, combined with the fine motor skills already required for dental procedures, increases the risk of strain-related injuries.
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) in Dentistry
RSI is a condition caused by repetitive movements that result in pain and inflammation in the muscles, nerves, and tendons. It commonly affects the hands, wrists, shoulders, and forearms, which dentists rely on extensively.
Symptoms of RSI include:
- Persistent or intermittent pain in the hands or wrists
- Stiffness and weakness in the fingers
- Tingling, burning sensations or numbness
- Reduced range of motion or loss of grip
- Increased discomfort with continued use
A study from 2009 found that over 3 out of 5 dental professionals experience some form of musculoskeletal pain, with RSI being a significant contributor.
If you suffer from RSI, the below adjustments may be needed to help you work more comfortably:
- Using voice recognition software
- Ergonomic mouse and keyboards for computers
- Breaks for rest and recovery
- Restricting writing/keyboard work
- Avoiding or minimising repetitive movements
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Common Issue for Dentists
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a specific type of RSI caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. It can develop from prolonged typing or awkward hand positioning, and it’s well-known that the ergonomics of a dental office don’t help with this.
Symptoms of CTS include:
- Numbness or tingling, particularly in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
- Weak grip strength
- A sensation of swelling in the fingers, even if no swelling is visible
- Difficulty performing precise hand movements
One study reported that up to half of dental professionals suffer from CTS, making it a major occupational hazard.
How Dentists Can Reduce the MSK Risk
While note-taking is essential, there are ways to minimise strain and protect your long-term health:
- Alternate Note-Taking Methods: Reduce the need for continuous manual input by using smarter digital solutions.
- Ergonomic Adjustments: Use an adjustable chair, proper wrist supports, and ergonomic keyboards to reduce strain.
- Frequent Breaks: Stretch your hands and wrists regularly to avoid stiffness.
- Hand Positioning & Tools: Using lightweight, ergonomic dental tools and positioning your hands correctly when working and typing can help minimise strain.
- Hand Exercises: Strengthening and stretching exercises can help prevent RSI and CTS. Simple wrist rotations, finger stretches, and grip-strengthening exercises can be beneficial.
A Smarter Way to Take Notes with Kiroku
The good news is that dentists no longer need to rely solely on traditional note-taking methods. Kiroku’s voice notes allow you to dictate patient notes with minimal typing, significantly reducing the strain on your hands and wrists.
You can either let our AI listen in to your appointment and write your notes as the consultation happens, or you can summarise what happened during the appointment after the patient has left, and still end up with good, contemporaneous notes.
Remember you will need an external microphone to use voice notes. Check out some of our recommended microphones, starting from as low as £25 for a good lapel microphone that can be clipped to your scrubs.
Additionally, Kiroku offers click-through templates if you’re not comfortable using voice technology, allowing you, a nurse or assistant to select pre-built structured notes rather than typing everything manually. Clinicians who don’t have English as their first language and may not feel confident with spelling complicated medical terminology will also benefit from this method of note-writing.
Both of these alternative ways of writing notes not only reduce the risk of RSI and CTS but also speed up the documentation process, ensuring accurate and comprehensive records without unnecessary physical strain.
As one Kiroku customer, Lakshmi puts it:
“I've been using Kiroku for just three days, and I'm absolutely loving it. I was experiencing shooting nerve pain in my hand from extensive typing. Using Kiroku has significantly reduced my hand strain, allowing me to focus more on my patients. It's an invaluable tool for maintaining comprehensive records without the physical strain.”
By leveraging AI-driven voice transcription, Kiroku ensures your notes are detailed and error-free - without the physical toll. Mentally you’ll also benefit - when you’re in less pain, you’ll be in a better mood and the day will seem less stressful and taxing.
Don’t forget that through the UK Government’s Access to Work scheme, you may be able to get a grant to help with “specialist equipment and assistive software” such as Kiroku. You can also speak to your employer about reasonable adjustments, such as potentially subsidising some of the cost of a Kiroku subscription so that you can write your notes pain-free.
If you want to protect your health while maintaining efficient and high-quality note-taking, it’s time to explore voice notes and click-based templates. Create your account today and discover how Kiroku can help you write your notes without the physical strain.
