Dentists...would this be covered under workmans compensation?

Question

Hi All,

i've been a dental hygienist for 6 years. been working in the current practice for 5. The operatory where I work was set up for a left handed dentist and im a right handed hygienist. We did not have the tray set up or equipment set up to offer proper positioning. After years of leaning into my patient i am extremely crooked! I look like im leaning all of the time and with that comes a LOT OF NECK PAIN. I get burning sensations in my shoulder blades, numbness and tingling. I love my job but I don't feel like physical therapy or chiropracty works because I don't give my back a chance to rest and go right back to work. So, I was thinking of taking a few months off and was hoping that workmans compensation will cover it so that I can get the proper treatment necessary to feel better. My boss thinks a lot of people abuse the system and she feels like our state is too liberal to employees. I don't want to lose my job, I really like it there. Any thoughts?

Category

Answer 1

OK, first of all, just because you're taking off for workers comp, doesn't mean your boss has to hold your job open for you.  They don't.

Also, it's not up to YOU to say, you want to take the time off.  A DOCTOR has to say, you're disabled - and unable to work.  

Good luck, sounds like a carpel tunnel of the back - not that I've ever heard of that before.  But it's probably just muscle strain.

Answer 2

Your boss has a responsibility to make sure that the work place is adapted so as not to cause injury to her employee(s).

You will not be abusing the system if you go for a longer therapy period to completely recover from you back problems.

Discuss your situation with your Association of Dental Hygienists or a workman's compensation counsellor.

Good luck!

Answer 3

It sounds like it would qualify but there may be trouble getting treatment.  Your problem is sort of like the man who told his doctor that his head hurt when he hit it against the wall.