Optimum Dental Posture

Founded by Dr Anikó Ball, she suffered frequent pain and discomfort in her neck, back and shoulder for over thirty years. Doctors and physical therapists offered short-term symptom relief without identifying her symptoms as work related.

Anikó was forced to contemplate early retirement as her condition worsened. She was considered a “hopeless case”, risky surgery and long-term anti-inflammatory medication seemed her only options.

Fortunately she encountered the Inner Ergonomic Principles of the Alexander Technique. Once she learned about biomechanical design she recognized her harmful posture and movement habits, applied the Inner Ergonomic Principles in all activities, especially in the dental surgery, and got her life back. These days retirement is the furthest thing on her mind.

With the intention of contributing the Inner Ergonomic Principles of the Alexander Technique to the dental profession, Anikó gained an Advanced Diploma of the Alexander Studies after completing a 1600 hour training course at the Melbourne Alexander School. She is a Certified Alexander Teacher and a member of the Australian Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique.

Anikó founded Optimum Dental Posture to promote recovery and prevention of work related injuries in the dental profession.

She is currently working on a research project conducted at Melbourne University Dental School, "Improving oral health students' physical and mental wellbeing", to show the benefits of "Fundamental Inner Ergonomics" training. Anikó's vision is the inclusion of such a training program at the undergraduate level in all dental schools as a preventive measure to reduce the risk of occupational musculoskeletal disorders.