Part II: Applying the Alexander Technique in Dentistry, Learning Styles and Training Contexts
The ASO Newsletter - Edition 61
Working together to enable greater understanding of the Alexander Technique through disciplined inquiry.
Introduction
This month ASO team member Erica Donnison and Alexander Teacher and Dentist Dr Anikó Ball, come back together to discuss one aspect of the conversation that formed the January post on ASO. Namely, the reason why Anikó started Optimum Dental Posture was because she realised during her training that dentists have a different learning style to the way Alexander Technique is often taught in lessons and training schools.
They are joined by ASO team member and Head of Training at the Edinburgh Alexander Training School, Dr Julia Woodman. The conversation considers how people learn in different ways, with Anikó, Julia, and Erica sharing reflections on challenges they encountered during their own training, and how these experiences now inform the way they adapt their teaching to meet the needs of those who come into their teaching rooms.
About
About Dr Anikó Ball , B.D.Sc.(Melb), L.D.S.(VIC), Dip. Clin. Hypnosis , Adv. Dip. Alexander Studies, Founder Optimum Dental Posture.
Practising in general dentistry, periodontics and dental sleep medicine for over thirty years, Anikó suffered frequent neck, back and shoulder pain. Doctors and physical therapists offered short-term symptom relief without identifying her condition as work related. Anikó began her recovery when she came across the Inner Ergonomic principles of the Alexander Technique and learned to recognize and change harmful work postures. With the intention of saving her colleagues from suffering occupational chronic pain, Anikó undertook a the training course at the Melbourne Alexander School and founded Optimum Dental Posture after translating the Inner Ergonomic principles for dental industry specific application. Anikó has been a presenter at Australian and New Zealand Dental Association Congress/Conference events and CPD courses. Trained in mind-body calming techniques and Inner Ergonomics, she provides training in ‘Ergonomics & Wellness in Dentistry’ Workshops and ‘In-house Ergonomic Training’ as well as ‘Stress Management in the Clinic’ for the whole dental team. Anikó’s vision is the integration of ‘Inner Ergonomics & Wellness’ training in dental schools as a preventive measure to reduce the risk of occupational chronic pain. To learn more visit: optimumdentalposture.com
Erica Donnison is part of the ASO team.
About Julia Woodman: Julia has been involved in research on the Alexander Technique since 2010, and is Chair of the STAT Research Group. She was a core member of the study team for the ATLAS trial. Julia’s background is in immunology research, and she spent 20 years working with clinical research in biotech and medical communications. She qualified from the Manchester Alexander Training school in 2006, and is now Head of Training at Edinburgh Alexander Training School.
Thank You
Thank you to Dr. Anikó Ball, Erica Donnison, and Julia Woodman for their contributions to this post. To our community, thank you for being here—your participation matters.
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