A national association of dental professionals wanted to help its members by reducing the increasing incidence of workplace-related injury. In addition to the pain and loss of function suffered by the member, there were related problems of increasing costs for insurance, medical care, lost productivity, clinic staffing and impact on patient service. Helping the dental worker to remain healthy was viewed as a primary objective.

The association wanted to determine the best information to convey and the best way to delivery it to members so that it would actually be used in the workplace.

Early sessions were carried out to clearly define the challenge map that would establish learning objectives for the program. The key challenge selected for solution development was how might we mitigate risk of injury by helping to improve practitioner’s posture and movement while working.

It was decided that a blended program would work best, blending synchronous event presentation (on-line or on-site) with asynchronous online resources and self study modules.  Realizing the learning objectives, the subject expert led content development and media rich educational content was produced. The challenge map informed production which was completed on time.

 

The Association communications group planned a set of on-line and on-site member events and launched the online support materials on their member platform. The same group handled member communications, event management and member support.  The program then launched.

Overall the program was considered a success. It was also enthusiastically supported by a provincial association who later initiated a research project to further knowledge about workplace injury for all members. With the support of an international dental equipment supplier, a dental operatory was setup in a research centre for a period of time where bio mechanical researchers could further study the ergonomics of work in a dental clinic.