Lance Rucker, Associate Professor and Chairman of Operative Dentistry at the University of British Columbia, has recently joined the faculty of the Institute of Dental Ergonomics (IDE). Through continuing education courses, IDE teaches a method of dental practice based on human-centered ergonomics, designed to help reduce and prevent musculoskeletal disorders common in the practice of dentistry.
Dr. Rucker’s expertise in the area of ergonomics is an ideal fit for IDE. As Director of Clinical Simulation and of the Surgical Telescope Evaluation Program, Dr. Rucker has pioneered development of customizable declination in surgical telescopes, as well as designing educational equipment to enhance ergonomic safety for dentists and dental hygienists. More broadly, he has focused his attention on promoting the proper use of equipment which can improve the ergonomics of dental practice. A native of Kentucky and graduate of the University of California, San Francisco (1974), he has published and lectured widely since he began his work with clinical ergonomics in 1981. As a consultant to North America’s major disability insurance corporations, he developed an Ergonomic Practice Assessment protocol to review the ergonomic practices of dentists and dental hygienists, and is frequently called upon to assist in the rehabilitation of injured professionals. As a result of participation in international collaborative efforts with universities and with the World Health Organization, his influence has extended globally. He is a Fellow of the American College of Dentists.
Dr. Rucker authored two of the chapters in the landmark text Ergonomics and the Dental Care Worker, published in 1998 by the American Public Health Association. He also writes mass-market mystery-suspense novels, and is the author of the highly acclaimed Brandon Drake mystery-suspense series. A man of extensive interests and accomplishments, Dr. Rucker designed one of the most innovative alternative computer keyboards, credited with reducing those factors most associated with keyboard-related Repetitive Strain Injuries.
Dr. Rucker is welcomed by current IDE faculty: Dr. Robert MacDonald, Dr. Michael Belenky and Dr. David Hanson. IDE is sponsored by J. Morita USA and Kisco Dental.