The Very Dental Podcast Network Very Dental: Creating Furniture to Support Dentists with Steven Haaksma
Alan is joined at the Chicago Midwinter meeting by Steven Haaksma of BQE or "Back Quality Ergonomics." Alan has used a bunch of their stools over the years and is a big fan of the ergonomic products that Steven's company has created.
Key Takeaways:
- BQE = Back Quality Ergonomics: The meaning behind the company name.
- Dutch Roots, American Story: Steven's background and how BQE started in the US.
- PT-Founded: BQE's origins with Steven's father, a physical therapist focused on back pain.
- Dental Professionals' Back Pain: The high prevalence of back issues in dentistry inspired BQE's focus.
- Challenging Traditional Stools: The problems with round and flat dental chairs.
- Ergonomic Design Principles: Getting closer to the patient and preventing slouching.
- The Original ErgoDynamic: The unique chair where the backrest automatically adjusts to the user.
- Convex Backrest: BQE's signature design for optimal lumbar support, available in different sizes.
- Beyond Dentistry: BQE also serves veterinary and optometry markets.
- Alan's Back Story: Dr. Mead's personal experience with a back injury and the importance of prevention.
- The "Chair Museum": Alan's journey to finding the right ergonomic seating.
- Armrest Benefits: Supporting arm weight reduces strain (arms are ~5% of body weight each).
- Saddle & Alternative Seats: Options for different preferences while maintaining good ergonomics.
- European vs. US Saddle Popularity: Interesting differences in adoption.
- Educating Dentists: Raising awareness about the long-term benefits of ergonomic seating.
- The Science of Slouching: How the ErgoDynamic chair actively combats poor posture.
- Proper Positioning: The importance of both dentist and patient positioning.
- Investment, Not Expense: BQE chairs are durable and competitively priced.
- 30-Day Trial: Confidence in their product with a low return rate.
Some links from the show:
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