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:

• BQE (Back Quality Ergonomics)

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